Man jailed for racist abuse during disorder

David Hann "held racist and Islamophobic views", the judge said

A man who shouted "dirty Muslims" outside a Sunderland mosque during widespread disorder has been jailed.

David Hann, a former EDL member, was present at various locations on 2 August and was seen gesticulating towards police officers and hurling racist abuse, Newcastle Crown Court was told.

The 58-year-old, of Ryhope Street South in the city, admitted causing racially aggravated fear of violence.

Judge Paul Sloan KC sentenced him to eight months in jail.

He said he accepted that Hann, who suffered from depression, was no longer a member of the EDL, but continued to hold racist and Islamophobic views.

Another man who took part in the disorder in Sunderland on the same night has also been sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court.

Jack Fowler, who held a flag of St George while confronting police, was heard saying "this is going to be all summer, everywhere".

The 24-year-old of Northbourne Street, in Newcastle, admitted violent disorder.

Judge Paul Sloan KC, said Fowler, who was drunk and masked that night, was seen at one point running away when police horses were used to disperse the "mob".

He sentenced the unemployed defendant to two years in jail.