Iraqi asylum-seeker protesters on hunger-strike outside a Home Office building are: "Guests in this country exercising their right to protest," a Crown Court Recorder told a racist who tried to burn down their tent.
The four men - refused leave to remain in the UK - were three weeks into a demonstration outside Lunar House, Croydon when they were abused and their tent set ablaze.
Jobless Peter Sapwell, 35, of Lansdowne Road, Croydon pleaded guilty to attempted arson and racially aggravated threatening behaviour and was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for twelve months.
Mehran Meyari, 20, his brother Mahyar, 17, Keyvan Behari, 30 - whose lips were sown shut - and a fourth asylum-seeker are determined to stay in the UK despite their applications being refused.
"Four people were exercising their democratic right by taking part in a hunger-strike outside a Home Office building," Recorder Cairns Nelson QC told Sapwell.
"They are entitled to the protection of the law when involved in lawful protest."
Prosecutor Mr. Julius Capon told Croydon Crown Court Sapwell (pictured) abused the asylum-seekers on April 21 then returned the next day at 10.30am.
"He was very hostile and made various abusive remarks. He said: 'You fucking foreigners, the country is full of you. I don't have any human rights.'
"He used his cigarette lighter to set alight the support rope on the tent.
"The victims felt there were racial undertones and were upset by what was undoubtedly an unpleasant experience," added Mr. Capon.
Sapwell also tore up one of the signs the group had to bring attention to their hunger strike.
Police were called and Sapwell told officers: "I only went back to the tent for a bit of banter."
Sapwell will also have to complete 150 hours community service.
After the attack Mehran vowed: "We were shocked and scared by what happened, but it is not the first time.
"Since we came here people have thrown glass bottles at us and shouted from their cars.
"None of this matters. We are here until someone takes responsibility, until someone listens."
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