Man in court over mosque fire in Bishopbriggs

A man has appeared in court charged with setting fire to a cultural centre in Bishopbriggs last November.

Published 21st Oct 2016

A man has appeared in court charged with setting fire to a cultural centre in Bishopbriggs last November. Mark Burke, 41, allegedly “wilfully set fire to a door” at The Al Farouk Cultural Centre at Auchinairn Road. It is claimed he committed the offence on November 17, last year, and that “the fire took effect thereon and caused damage to said premises”. Prosecutors allege the offence was aggravated by religious prejudice. Burke, from Bishopbriggs, appeared in private at Glasgow Sheriff Court where he was represented by defence lawyer Marisa Lochran. He made no plea or declaration and was released on bail. It is expected he will return to court at a later date.