A GROUP of Jewish people travelling on a train were subjected to racial abuse by two Carlisle men, a court heard.

A district judge at the city’s Rickergate court yesterday fined the two men – 53-year-old Paul Blaylock, of Blackwell Road, Carlisle, and Robert Ian Routledge, 63, of Woodruff Terrace, Carlisle. Both admitted a charge of racially aggravated disorderly behaviour.

Prosecutor John Moran described how the men had boarded the Newcastle to Carlisle train on February 10 at Hexham.

It was after the train reached Haltwhistle that the abuse began, the court heard.

A group of people sitting near them were Jewish, said Mr Moran, saying this was evident from the head coverings they were wearing.

“The group were talking and laughing among themselves and both defendants could be heard making racially abusive comments,” said Mr Moran.

The lawyer then outlined some of those comments and how the remarks included a remark about how the group should ‘go back to where they came from.’ Mr Moran added: “They were abusive, threatening comments and it was upsetting to other people.”

The lawyer accepted that the men should be given credit for admitting their guilt. Neither man was represented by a lawyer.

When invited to comment by District Judge Gerald Chalk, Blaylock said: “I’d just like to say that the racial aggravation has been very much exaggerated.”

Routledge declined to comment.

District Judge Chalk fined Blaylock £200, with £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge. He fined Routledge £250, with £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge. Both fines were increased to take account of the racial element to the offences.