Man 'doesn't know' why he released rats at mosque

A man who deliberately released wild rats near a mosque has avoided jail after admitting racially motivated crimes.

Edmund Fowler drove to the Grand Mosque in Sheffield between May and June on four different occasions and filmed himself taking the caged rats out of the boot of his vehicle and encouraging the creatures to enter the place of worship.

Fowler pleaded guilty to four counts of racially aggravated harassment at a previous hearing and it still "remains a mystery" why he did it, Sheffield Magistrates' Court heard earlier.

The 66-year-old, of Skelwith Drive, Sheffield, was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, and banned from going near a mosque for 18 months.

He must also undertake 15 rehabilitation activity days and is banned from going to certain areas of the city.

In CCTV footage shown to the court, Fowler could be seen driving his Audi near the mosque on Grimesthorpe Road and shouting racist insults at people entering the building.

The court heard how his actions "deliberately targeted a local mosque" and had caused widespread "upset and shock" within the community.

In a victim impact statement, the mosque manager said: "It is evident people using the mosque are Muslim.

"They are scared of further harassment and are now too scared to come to the mosque."

Fowler's defence solicitor said he knew his crime was "appalling" but that he did not know why he did it.

It was suggested his various caring responsibilities - including looking after his wife with breast cancer - may have led to a mental breakdown.

Chair of the bench, Suzanne Irish-Deverill, told Fowler she was "disgusted" by the footage and that his crimes were "pre-planned on multiple occasions".

She added: "You also had the audacity to record it yourself. It has had significant impact and caused shock and distress.

"People are entitled to travel to a place of worship without being racially or religiously harassed - it is a hate crime."

Fowler was also ordered to pay £239 in costs.

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