News / Crime
Two jailed for mosque bacon attack
Two men have been jailed for their part in an attack on a mosque in Totterdown where bacon was left on door handles and abuse was shouted at worshippers.
A judge at Bristol Crown Court called the incident an “attack on England” and “’the principles of freedom of religion” before jailing Kevin Crehan, 34, from Knowle, for a year, and Mark Bennett, 48, from Patchway, for nine months.
Alison Bennett, 46, also of Patchway, and Angelina Swales, 32, from Brislington, were both given suspended sentences for their part in the racially aggravated public order offence at Jamia Mosque on Green Street on January 17.
is needed now More than ever
All four defendants were all given a restraining order preventing them from going within 100 metres of a mosque anywhere in England or Wales for the next 10 years.
The attack in January led to a spirited response from the local community and the mosque which threw its doors open to the public and served food and drink in a show of strength.
Following the sentencing on Wednesday, inspector Nigel Colston, 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.
“There can never be any excuse for hate crime in any shape or form and this criminality will not be tolerated. 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 on 101.”
Main picture: Kevin Crehan (top) and Mark Bennett were jailed on Wednesday.
Read more: Huge show of support for mosque after bacon attack