A labourer accused of damaging a mosque hours after the Woolwich murder of soldier Lee Rigby will stand trial before a jury.
Andrew Grindlay, 45, of Kingswood Road, Gillingham, reiterated his intent to fight the allegations following a brief hearing before Medway magistrates today. He pleaded not guilty to two charges: burglary with intent to commit damage, and racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage.
The charges say a door frame, carpet, windows, shelves, a money box and a bookcase were all damaged at the Jamia Mosque in Canterbury Street, Gillingham, on May 22.
Police were on high alert for racial tension as earlier that day Drummer Lee Rigby was hacked to death in the street in Woolwich.
Magistrates relaxed Grindlay’s bail conditions after hearing he was struggling to find work because he had to report to Medway police station three times a week.
Chairman of the bench David Brake reduced Grindlay’s curfew, originally 7pm to 7am, to 8pm to 6am. He was also told only to report to police once a week on Saturdays.
He is still ordered not to enter Canterbury Street. The case is due to appear on August 30 before Maidstone Crown Court.