A former Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Watford FC’s Community Sports & Education Trust has been sentenced after launching a violent racist attack on Transport for London staff at Southall station. Ebonnie-Rose John-Jules, 23, screamed “Go back to your country, you bloody Indians” while assaulting railway workers in an incident that lasted 44 seconds.
The University of East London graduate was convicted at Westminster Magistrates’ Court after finally pleading guilty to assault and racially-aggravated threatening behaviour. The attack occurred on 5 May 2024, just weeks after John-Jules had begun her full-time role at the Championship football club’s charitable arm.
John-Jules was sentenced to a 12-month community order, including 70 hours of unpaid work, up to five days of rehabilitation, and a £50 fine. Her co-defendant, Naomi Caruana, 23, received the same community order plus £170 in compensation payments to the victims.
Violent Confrontation at Elizabeth Line Station
The incident unfolded around 6.30pm when TfL employee Sasha Da Cunha became involved in a verbal altercation with John-Jules and Caruana at the west London station. Tom Kakeeto, who had just finished his shift at the Elizabeth Line station, attempted to defuse the situation while preparing to cycle home.
Prosecutor Tom Heslop told City of London Magistrates’ Court that when Kakeeto asked the women to be civil, they turned their aggression towards him. “Without provocation John-Jules kicks his bike into him and he grabs hold of her, causing John-Jules to fall over,” the prosecutor stated.
The court heard that John-Jules then removed her earrings before launching into a physical attack, punching Kakeeto in the face. The assault occurred within the station concourse as the two defendants were exiting the building.
Racist Abuse During Attack
During the sustained assault, John-Jules directed racist comments towards Ms Da Cunha, including “Go back to your country, you bloody Indians” and threats that she would not leave the station until she saw Kakeeto bleeding. Further racist remarks referencing “f***ing Indians” were also made during the confrontation.
The attack lasted approximately 44 seconds, with both defendants participating, though the prosecutor noted that while Caruana carried out the majority of the assault, John-Jules had initiated the violence. Kakeeto sustained an injury to his chin, though it could not be determined which defendant inflicted it.
In his victim impact statement, Kakeeto described the lasting effects of the unprovoked attack. “During the incident I was scared and fearful. It was a shock to be attacked like that and uncalled for,” he said. “I do not wear my uniform to and from work anymore so I am not recognised and it has knocked my confidence.”
Previous Conviction and Professional Background
The court revealed that John-Jules had a previous conviction from 2022 for threatening behaviour, raising questions about her suitability for a role promoting equality and inclusion. She had graduated with a degree in Sports Physical Education and Development from the University of East London and later obtained a Master’s degree in International Sports Management from the Global Institute of Sport.
Before joining Watford FC in April 2024, John-Jules had worked for Children with Cancer UK as a Sports Events Administrator. Her appointment to the diversity role came just weeks before the violent incident that would end her career in football administration.
John-Jules, of Towers Road, Southall, had denied the charges for over a year before changing her plea on the day of her trial. Bench Chairman Paul Brooks had warned her during proceedings that all sentencing options remained open, including custody, given the serious nature of the assault.
Watford FC Trust Responds
Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust issued a strongly-worded statement distancing itself from John-Jules and confirming she was no longer employed by the organisation. The Trust emphasised its zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and violence.
We have zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or violence and are proud, in partnership with Watford FC, to be one of only two clubs that currently hold the EFL Gold level of the EDI Code of Conduct and the Advanced Health Check Level of Premier League Equality, Diversity Inclusion Standard,” the statement read.
The Trust revealed that John-Jules had failed to disclose her arrest, investigation, or the proceedings against her, violating company policy. Had they been informed, she would have been immediately suspended pending the outcome of the police investigation and dismissed upon conviction for gross misconduct.
Commitment to Equality Standards
The incident stands in stark contrast to Watford FC’s longstanding commitment to equality and inclusion. The club, which describes itself as “The Original Family Club”, has a history dating back to the 1970s and 1980s under Graham Taylor and Sir Elton John of promoting inclusivity and refusing to erect barriers between fans and the pitch.
Watford FC is one of only two clubs to achieve the EFL Gold level of the Equality Code of Practice and holds the Advanced Health Check Level of the Premier League Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard. The club’s “We Campaign”, launched in 2019 in partnership with Hertfordshire Police’s hate crime unit, encourages inclusivity and tackles discrimination directly.
Dave Messenger, the club’s EDI Lead, had previously celebrated achieving gold level accreditation, stating there was “no finishing line” in their commitment to inclusive development and better representing their local community’s demographics.
Co-defendant Also Sentenced
Caruana, of Hounslow, pleaded guilty to assaulting both Kakeeto and Da Cunha, as well as damaging Kakeeto’s earpods during the attack. In addition to her community order matching John-Jules’s sentence, she was ordered to pay £120 compensation to Kakeeto, £50 to Da Cunha, plus £85 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
The court heard that while John-Jules initiated the violence and made the racist comments, Caruana carried out the majority of the physical assault, with both women acting in concert during the attack.
Trust Reviews Policies
In response to the case, Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust announced it would review its current policies and practices around disclosure of police matters involving employees. The organisation reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of equality and inclusion across all its programmes and activities.
“Finally and wholeheartedly we would like to pass on our sincere thoughts and best wishes to the victim and we hope the sentence imposed by the Court provides reassurance to them and the community as a whole that such behaviour is not and cannot be tolerated in our society,” the Trust’s statement concluded.
The case highlights the importance of thorough background checks and ongoing disclosure requirements for individuals working in positions of trust, particularly those responsible for promoting equality and combating discrimination. The irony of a diversity officer engaging in racist violence has not been lost on observers, with the incident generating significant discussion about hiring practices and accountability in such roles.
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