Teenager admits racially abusing Muslims during Brighton Pride weekend
The 18-year-old's been told he could face jail
Last updated 11th Sep 2024
An 18-year-old man has pleaded guilty to shouting religious abuse from the top of a phone box in Brighton.
Max Ritchings, of Buckeridge Way in Haywards Heath, was convicted at Lewes Crown Court of causing religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or distress by shouting words aimed at members of the Muslim religion.
The offence took place on Madeira Drive near Brighton Pier during Pride weekend on August 4th amid the civil unrest across the country.
He also pleaded guilty to inciting violence by making posts on social media that encouraged arson towards Muslim religious buildings.
Nicholas Hamblin, defending, said that the period of custody served by Ritchings ahead of the court hearing had been a "short, sharp shock" for him and he had written a letter to the judge to apologise for his actions.
He added that Ritchings had handed himself in to police when he heard that they had called at his home looking for him.
Judge Christine Laing KC adjourned the case against the vape shop worker for a pre-sentence report and released the defendant on bail until the sentencing date on October 18.
She told him:
"You must understand that even if it is a good report and I am giving you bail, it doesn't mean you aren't going back to prison.
"Even you must realise how serious the offences are and how seriously they are being viewed by the courts and custody is the likely result."