Man who hurled anti-Semitic abuse in Stamford Hill gets increased sentence

A man who hurled anti-Semitic abuse at Jewish worshippers on their way to morning prayers in Stamford Hill has had his sentence increased.

Glenn Okafor, 32, was initially sentence to a 12-month community order with 150 hours, but on Friday at Stratford Magistrates’ Court this was increased to 200 hours.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) heralded the increased sentence, after Okafor was found guilty of two counts of intentionally using threatening or abusive behaviour to cause alarm or distress which was religiously aggravated.

Okafor, of West Norwood, was found to have shouted “we will wipe you out” among other insults aimed at worshippers in Stamford Hill on 4 March this year, and was ordered to pay the victims £150 each.

Jan Lamping, the deputy chief crown prosecutor in CPS London North who has responsibility for magistrates’ courts and domestic abuse cases, welcomed the news.

“Stiffer sentences are a powerful way of sending the message that hate crime is viewed very seriously in the eyes of the law,” she said.

“These were unacceptable, hostile words and threats directed at worshippers intended to make them fearful of their safety. I would encourage all victims to report hate crimes so that others do not become the target of hateful abuse.”

Crimes which are eligible for an increased sentence are any that are motivated ‘wholly or partly’ by hostility based on perceived religion, race, sexual orientation, transgender identity or disability. Increased sentences range from lengthier prison terms to longer community punishments, depending on the crime.