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'Killers, robbers and dealers' in mosque disorder
ARMED robbers, drug dealers and people convicted of manslaughter and other serious offences were among those who took part in a mass brawl outside Burton's Central Mosque, a jury has been told.
Defendant Mohammed Haroon made the revelation on day 18 of the Birmingham Crown Court trial of four men charged in connection with the incident, which took place in Uxbridge Street on April 9 last year.
Cross-examined by Stephen Thomas, prosecuting, the career civil servant, who is also a Staffordshire magistrate, told the court: "I know there were people at that event who were known criminals and drug dealers who had intimidated other people."
Pressed on the point later by the trial judge, His Honour John Maxwell, he said those involved in what he described as 'sporadic fighting' included people convicted of gun crimes and others who had tried to kill people.
Haroon, represented by Martin Liddiard, gave the details in a bid to explain why, despite his status as a magistrate, he had 'followed legal advice' and declined to answer police questions when interviewed under caution on suspicion of involvement in the violence.
He said he feared that if he spoke out, he and his family would face reprisals from these he had identified.
The trial has previously heard how worshippers at the mosque had split into two group, one supporting and the other opposing controversial imam Mohammed Farooq Nazami, who had earlier been alleged to have used sexist and racist language when addressing worshippers.
