Nun accused of religious harassment

Ruth AugustusA nun was convicted of religious harassment after ranting against “terrorist” Muslims in the middle of London’s busy Oxford Street. Sister Ruth Augustus, 66, was fined £200 after she shouted at two women in full robes and veils “you’re probably terrorists, get back to your own country”. City of Westminster Magistrates Court heard how trouble flared when Augustus, a missionary who has worked with prostitutes in the developing world, was handing out prayer leaflets outside Debenhams department store on Easter Tuesday.

WPC Natasha Walker said she heard a ‘commotion’ outside the shop and went to investigate. The officer said: “I heard someone shouting ‘terrorists, terrorists’ more than once. It’s busy on Oxford Street, so she must have been shouting really loud. I turned round and noticed there were a group of people standing outside Debenhams. Sister Augustus was shouting ‘terrorists’ repeatedly and other things about Muslims. I asked her to stop, but she refused. She said ‘I will not stop, I’m a nun’.”

Life Style Extra, 15 December 2006