A hooligan from Ashford is among a gang of thugs jailed for ambushing terrified Charlton FC supporters and passengers on a packed train.

Railway worker Andrew Spicer, 38, of Hurst Road, Kennington, was among a 30-strong mob of Crystal Palace fans who boarded a busy train at Sydenham Railway Station on September 1.

Women, children and pensioners were caught up in the violence as the yobs went on the rampage.

Spicer was one of five men jailed today at London’s Southwark Crown Court for their part in the violence.

He was sentenced to two and a half years, having admitted violent disorder at an earlier hearing.

The court heard how parents tried to protect their children and pensioners cowered in fear as train passengers were punched, kicked and head-butted.

British Transport Police Detective Inspector Keith Bennett said the train contained Charlton Athletic supporters travelling to a game at Crystal Palace as well as ordinary members of the public including women, children and the elderly.

He said: "A 24-year-old Charlton Athletic fan suffered a broken nose in the incident. Several other passengers were head-butted, punched and verbally abused during the fracas."

"The violence that ordinary members of the public were subjected to on the day in question was utterly appalling.

"Those who perpetrated and were convicted of causing that violence, some of whom are family men themselves, should be utterly ashamed of themselves."

Passing sentence, Judge Stephen Robbins said: "This was mob conduct at its worst.

"This was sickening behaviour, thuggery, violence on a train, with members of the public who were visibly distressed."

In total 16 Crystal Palace supporters have now been convicted of their involvement in the disorder.