by Keith Hunt

Two terrified soccer fans fled across a live rail after being attacked by a drunken thug on a train, a court heard.

David O’Connell picked on Paul Cutler and Bernard Musau when he spotted them wearing West Ham shirts on their return from a match in London.

The 23-year-old brute left Mr Cutler with a fractured eye socket and broken nose. Mr Musau, who was visiting his friend from Kenya, also suffered a broken nose.

O’Connell, of no fixed address, was jailed for two years eight months after admitting inflicting grievous bodily harm and actual bodily harm.

A judge told him his victims had suffered lasting harm from the "mindless violence" long after their physical injuries had healed.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Mr Cutler and Mr Musau were travelling from Charing Cross to Gillingham late at night on July 31 last year.

They were confronted by O’Connell about 55 minutes into the journey, between Swanscombe and Northfleet.

Keith Yardy, prosecuting, said O’Connell started shouting abusive comments about West Ham. Mr Cutler, 41, told him: "Whoa, what’s your problem, calm down."

O’Connell responded by asking if he wanted to fight him, before punching him to the head. He then attacked 34-year-old Mr Musau. Both were seated at the time.

Mr Yardy said when the train arrived at Gravesend, the victims were covered in blood. They fled across the live track to escape.

An off-duty police officer had been on the train and heard the shouting. O’Connell was arrested soon afterwards.

Mr Cutler was taken to Darent Valley Hospital and treated for his injuries. He was referred to the ear, nose and throat department of the Royal Gloucester Hospital. Mr Musau declined treatment.

The friends believed they were attacked because they were West Ham supporters. Mr Musau said in a statement: "I was terrified he was going to kill us."

O’Connell was recalled to serve the remainder of a three-and-a-half year jail sentence imposed in October 2009 for robbery.

Mr Recorder Matthew Nicklin said it was unclear why O’Connell chose to launch the attack.

"It seems to have something to do with the fact they were wearing West Ham shirts," he added.