AN INDIAN takeaway boss has welcomed the sentencing of two teenagers who racially abused his staff.

Abdul Rouf and his staff came under attack at the Red Chilli, Waterdales, Gravesend, in April 2004.

The Asian victims were punched and spat at, called racist names and saw property in their takeaway destroyed.

The teenagers appeared at Maidstone Crown Court for sentencing on January 17.

Jason Blackman, aged 19, of Fleet Terrace, Waterdales, was sentenced to four-and-a-half-years in prison.

He was given three-and-a-half-years for violent disorder, which included an extra 18 months for the racist element involved.

Blackman was also convicted of racially-aggravated assault and two offences of causing racially-aggravated criminal damage for which he received 12 months, to be served concurrently.

He was also convicted of causing an affray in New Ash Green in June 2004 and given a 12-month detention and training order, to be served consecutively.

Blackman was also sentenced to one month in jail, to be served concurrently, for a shoplifting offence committed in June 2004.

Thomas Street, aged 18, from Huntley Avenue, Northfleet, was given a four-year sentence.

He received three-and-a-half years for violent disorder, which included an extra 18 months for the racist element involved.

A concurrent sentence of 12 months for racially-aggravated assault and criminal damage and a further six months for affray in New Ash Green in June 2004, to be served consecutively, were also given to Street.

Shane Barnes, aged 23, also of Fleet Terrace, Waterdales, was given two years for violent disorder and an assault inflicting actual bodily harm.

Juliette Margetson, aged 33, of Fleet Terrace, was convicted of violent disorder and given a community order with supervision for two years.

Blackman, Street and Margetson were also given five-year Asbos covering England and Wales.

They could face up to five years in jail if they breach them. The Asbos prevent them from using racist language, throwing missiles and entering the Red Chilli.

A 16-year-old boy from Northfleet, who cannot be identified, was convicted of criminal damage and violent disorder in connection with the same incident.

He received a two-year detention and a five-year Asbo with the same conditions as the other three.

Welcoming the sentences, Mr Rouf said: "We're pleased about the convictions. This should never have happened in the first place but the news is good."