Man fined over religiously aggravated harassment at EDL rally in Birmingham

Categories: Latest News
Tuesday June 28 2016
The Daily Star and Mirror report on the court appearance of a man arrested on Saturday during an English Defence League rally in Birmingham.
Thomas Johnstone, 29, was among 30 EDL supporters who protested outside the Manarat Foundation in Sheldon, Birmingham over planning permission to renovate a disused garage granted to the centre by the local council.
Johnstone was caught parading a St George’s flag with the words “no more mosques”, “English ’till I die” and “f*** Islam” written on it.
Birmingham magistrates’ court heard Johnstone waved the flag at passing motorists and chanted “anti-Muslim slogans” which got louder as Asian drivers and pedestrians went past.
Johnstone pleaded guilty to two counts of causing religiously aggravated harassment alarm or distress. He also pleaded guilty to obstructing an officer after giving police his brother’s name when arrested.
District Judge Robert Zara fined Johnstone £150 for each of the religiously aggravated offences and £100 for obstructing an officer but exempted him from paying because of the time spent in custody.
Judge Robert Zara told Johnstone: “The maximum penalty for public order offences is only a fine whatever view I may take of your conduct.
“Because you are now a serving prisoner I will deem the time spent in custody since your arrest should serve in default of payment.”