David Norris and Neil Acourt - two former suspects in the murder of Stephen Lawrence - are to appeal against their conviction for a racist attack.

The pair were jailed for 18 months on Friday for racially harassing Gareth Reid, an off-duty black police officer, close to where Mr Lawrence was murdered in 1993.

Passing sentence, Judge Michael Carroll said he was "sending out a message" that such behaviour would not be tolerated.

In Woolwich crown court, John Hurlock from the defence team said an immediate appeal would be launched.

We are somewhat displeased that it's not the maximum sentence of two years

Chief Inspector Leroy Logan

Mr Hurlock said: "So far as the conviction is concerned (they) do not accept it and will be appealing."

He repeated claims made by the pair during the trial that they had been persecuted as a result of the Stephen Lawrence case.

He said: "What's clear is that Mr Acourt, as a result of the allegation he faced in 1993, has lived a somewhat reclusive life and has found relations difficult.

"As a result of 1993 Mr Norris has had to endure a lot. It has affected his personal and professional life.

"He doesn't feel safe and lives a kind of insecure existence only mixing with people he feels safe with, family and friends.

He said the two could benefit from some kind of rehabilitation order for these reasons.

Regular abuse

After the sentence was passed, Chief Inspector Leroy Logan, chairman of the Black Police Officers Association complained that the jail terms should have been longer.

He said: "First I would like to acknowledge the courage and professionalism of Gareth Reid in securing a conviction despite all the attempts of the defendants to escape justice.

"We are somewhat displeased that it's not the maximum sentence of two years in view of the nature of the offence and the public interest.

"Police officers in general are subject to abuse but if people think they can highlight extra differences through colour, culture or origins, they will throw comments at officers.

'Disgusting'

Detective Inspector Mark Castell, manager of the Greenwich Community Safety Unit, said: "This is a good day for the people of Eltham and victims of race crime."

"I want to thank members of the public who stood up and gave evidence in this matter, without whose help we could not have instituted proceedings like these.

"We continue to support all victims of any hate crime, race crime whether motivated by gender or sexual orientation.

"We take these matters very seriously."

Outside the court, a woman thought to be Acourt's mother shouted at waiting reporters.

She said: "It's disgusting. They've been fitted up again.

"You lot are going to carry on fitting them up for the rest of their lives."