FIVE men have been jailed after robbing someone on a train bound for Eastbourne.

After getting on at Clapham Junction, they surrounded a man travelling to Brighton on his way home after a night out.

One of the group sat next to him in the first-class section of the train while another sat opposite, staring at him in an intimidating way before reaching across and stroking his face. The victim was then asked by one of the group members if his watch was gold. During this time all other passengers left the first class area.

A number of passengers on board the train on April 18, 2014, had called the police due to the group’s antisocial behaviour and threatening manner as they walked through the train.

The train was boarded by police officers at Gatwick Airport Station, where the men were pointed out and arrested on suspicion of robbery.

Blackfriars Crown Court heard that the victim was caused substantial fear by the group, who left the carriage a few minutes later.

The victim did not see the group again, but when he arrived at Brighton he realised his wallet was missing.

The wallet contained a number of cards and $102 in Singapore dollars.

Several of the group were found with the victim’s property split between them.

All five members of the group were sentenced on Friday, July 17.

Sayed Shah, 23, of Fir Tree Gardens, Croydon, Marcus Skillern, 19, of Panton Close, Croydon, Davenand Jaipaul, 21, of Tankerton Terrace, Mitcham Road, Croydon, Adbinsair Abdullahi, 20, of Derby Road, Croydon, and Abdul Messai, 21, of Kingston Road, Raynes Park, London, were all found guilty on one count of robbery after a nine-day trial.

Shah and Skillern received two years' imprisonment.

Jaipaul received 30 months' imprisonment and seven days for possession of cannabis, to be served consecutively.

Abdullahi received 30 months imprisonment.

Messai received 30 months imprisonment and was also sentenced in relation to an unrelated matter for possession of cannabis with intent to supply and for being concerned in the supply of a class-A drug.

For this he was given a custodial sentence of eight months for possession of cannabis with intent to supply and 18 months for being concerned in the supply of a class A drug.

The judge ordered that these two matters be served concurrently, but that the 18 months should then be served consecutively to the 30 months for the robbery, resulting in a four-year sentence.

Speaking after the sentencing Detective Constable Ostin Elkins said: “The sentencing shows that we will not tolerate any type of crime or threatening behaviour on the rail network.

“These men actively sought out their victim on board the train and took the opportunity to intimidate and prey upon a man who was simply on his way home after a night out.

“Passengers are entitled to travel on the railway without fear. I am pleased to see that they all received sentences that will give them time to reflect on their actions.”