Brighton man denies Islamist terrorism charge

He appeared in court on Wednesday (July 14th)

Author: PA ReporterPublished 14th Jul 2021
Last updated 14th Jul 2021

A man has denied a charge of encouraging terrorism over alleged comments about armed religious conflict at a Brighton mosque.

Abu Bakr Deghayes appeared in person at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday where he denied a single charge of encouraging the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

The 53-year-old, of Arundel Drive East, Saltdean, is alleged to have spoken about armed jihad in a speech at the mosque in Dyke Road in November 2020, the court heard.

Deghayes' defence solicitor Tom Wainwright said his client disputes that there was any intention to encourage terrorism.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram adjourned the case for a further hearing at the Old Bailey on August 6 and Deghayes was released on bail.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.