A teenager has been jailed after admitting racially and religiously aggravated harassment outside a North Yorkshire Islamic centre.
Martin, 18, was sentenced to 26 months in custody at York Crown Court after waving an England flag and acting aggressively near the religious building.
Judge Sean Morris, the Recorder of York, told the defendant he had “disgraced” the national flag, stressing it “belongs to everyone in this country.”
The judge said:
“This calls for an immediate prison sentence – there has to be an element of deterrence so other young men aged 18, in work and with no previous convictions, realise that actions have consequences. Whether online or on the street, the courts will keep the peace by deterring others from such action.”
Judge Morris also warned that had Martin gone ahead with his threats to start a fire, “the consequences could have been fatal.”
Charges
Martin pleaded guilty to:
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Racially/religiously aggravated harassment
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Possession of an article with intent to destroy/damage property
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Obstructing or resisting a constable in the execution of their duty
Background
The incident took place earlier this year near an Islamic centre in North Yorkshire and caused alarm among local residents. Police arrested Martin at the scene, where he resisted officers before being taken into custody.
The judge said the prison term should serve as a warning that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
