Security guard guilty of attack on mosque

A security guard was convicted yesterday of taking part in a "racist attack" on a mosque two days after the 11 September atrocities.

Christopher Williams, 37, pleaded not guilty at Exeter Magistrates' Court to two offences of criminal damage at the Islamic Centre of the South-west on 13 September.

Eight pig's heads and fake blood were left in the mosque's car park. A banner had been erected that included the words: "The blood of the American people is on the hands of every Muslim," and ended "Nuckem George".

The next day, a notice was found pinned to a door at the mosque. It included the words: "This is the start of the end for all Osama bin Laden supporters."

The prosecutor, Peter Ashman, said three men had been seen at the mosque at 11.35pm on 13 September.

Williams, of Exeter, who said he was not a racist and had once worked in a mosque, denied any involvement. But the magistrate,George Tout, said the evidence showed Williams had been involved in both offences. The court adjourned sentencing until 5 September.

Mohammed Ahmed, the centre's chairman, saidthe incident was "a gross racial attack on our community". Earlier, he told the court he had received two threatening telephone calls, in one of which he was told: "The blood of American children is on your hands."

Devon and Cornwall Police said: "It would have been a very cruel attack at any time, but more so because of the events in America."