Four sentenced for attack on Bristol mosque

Avon and Somerset police have issued a statement in connection with the sentencing of four individuals for their involvement in a mosque attack in Bristol earlier this year.

The incident at the Totterdown mosque in Bristol happened on the afternoon of Sunday 17 January when a group of people threw bacon at the mosque doors, wrapped bacon around the door handles of the mosque and abused elderly worshippers who were inside at the time. The group also foisted a St George’s flag bearing the words ‘no more mosques’ on the mosque premises.

Kevin Crehan, 34, pleaded guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence when he appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court in February. Three other people appeared in court in March changing their plea to guilty as their trial was due to get underway.

Mark Bennett, 48, his wife Alison Bennett, 46, and Angelina Swales, 31, all pleaded guilty to racially aggravated public order offences.

The two men and two women were sentenced at Bristol Crown Court today according to the police press statement.

Crehan was jailed for 12 months, Mark Bennett was jailed for nine months, Alison Bennett was given a six-month sentence suspended for two years and Swales was given a four-month sentence suspended for two years.

All four individuals were given a restraining order preventing them from going within 100 metres of a mosque anywhere in England or Wales for the next 10 years.

Insp Nigel Colston, Bristol neighbourhood manager for Avon and Somerset, said: “I would like to pay tribute to the response of the local community following this incident.

“The way local people came together with overwhelming support for the mosque made me proud to be associated with Bristol.

“It was fantastic to see so many messages of support from groups and individuals.  The open meeting at the mosque was packed to the rafters with people who wanted to let mosque worshippers know that they are welcomed and valued.

“All of our communities have the right to live and worship peacefully without fear of being targeted for their race or religion.

“We will always support anyone who is victimised and work closely with all communities to stamp out crimes motivated by prejudice and hate. If you or someone you know is a victim please don’t hesitate, call us.”