18 April 2011

Man faces court for burning Koran

A man who burned a Koran in front of city centre shoppers in Carlisle is due to be sentenced. Andrew Ryan, 32, took out a copy of the holy book from Carlisle library and then set it on fire with a lighter as a crowd gathered to hear his protests.

Police arrested Ryan, of Summerhill, Carlisle, shortly after the lunchtime incident in English Street on January 19. He pleaded guilty to religiously aggravated harassment and theft at an earlier hearing. Ryan was released on bail last month as the case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports. [Lytham St Annes Express] Read more [via Jihad Watch]