A man who threatened worshippers at a mosque in Braintree, Essex, hours after soldier Lee Rigby was killed has been sentenced to nine months in prison.
Geoffrey Ryan, 44, brandished two knives outside the al-Falah Islamic Centre on 22 May at 7.15pm and shouted “I will kill you” at a member of the public. He admitted one count of affray and two of possessing an offensive weapon at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday.
Detective Constable Andy Young from Essex Police said the incident caused unnecessary fear at a time when emotions were already high due to the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in London. He added that Ryan’s imprisonment should serve as a warning to others intent on causing fear and unrest.
Young thanked the al-Falah prayer centre for their support during the investigation and for their efforts to promote tolerance within the multicultural community.
