Man with firelighters at Islamic centre jailed

York Crown Court heard James Martin was "going to lose everything because of one night of stupid behaviour"

A judge has told a man found with firelighters in his pocket outside an Islamic centre in North Yorkshire the "consequences could have been fatal" had he lit a fire.

James Martin, 18, was arrested for a breach of the peace after swearing and shouting, while people inside the centre, on Roscoe Street in Scarborough, were at prayer on 8 August at 22:00 BST.

Martin pleaded guilty to charges of racially or religiously aggravated harassment, having an article with intent to destroy or damage property, and obstructing or resisting a constable in the execution of their duty.

Judge Sean Morris, the Recorder of York, jailed him for 26 months at York Crown Court.

He told Martin he had "disgraced" the flag he was carrying at the time of his offending.

"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," Judge Morris said.

"Whether online or on the street, the courts will keep the peace by deterring others from such action."

'Lose everything'

The court heard a police operation had been in force in the seaside town that day due to fears of disorder.

It was stood down but officers stayed in the area of Roscoe Street "just in case," it was said.

Martin was one of four people demonstrating in the area and "continued to exhibit disruptive behaviour" after his arrest, the court heard.

Officers also found a clear plastic bag of firelighters in his pocket.

Judge Morris said social media that day had been "alive with extremist calls for setting fire to places connected with Islam" and that if Martin had started a fire, "the consequences could have been fatal".

Martin, who has no previous convictions, will lose an apprenticeship in bricklaying because of his actions.

He was told he was going to "lose everything because of one night of stupid behaviour".

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