Man Who Released Rats Outside Mosque in Anti-Muslim Hate Crime Spared Jail Time
A 66-year-old man who released rats outside a mosque in a series of Islamophobic acts has received a suspended prison sentence, prompting concern from anti-hate advocates.
Edmund Fowler, of Skelwith Drive, Sheffield, admitted to four counts of racially aggravated harassment at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court. The offences occurred between May and June, when he was seen on CCTV repeatedly releasing live rodents outside Sheffield Grand Mosque.
In one instance, captured on mobile phone footage he filmed himself, Fowler can be heard speaking to the animals before setting them loose, saying: "Guess where you're going", "Say bye bye", and "I'll point you in the right direction." The court described the actions as deliberate and distressing.
Additional CCTV footage played in court showed Fowler parking near the mosque on Grimesthorpe Road and shouting racist slurs at worshippers entering the building. His actions caused what was described as “widespread upset and shock” within the local Muslim community.
In a victim impact statement, the mosque’s manager said the targeting had created fear among attendees:
“It is evident people using the mosque are Muslim. They are scared of further harassment and are now too scared to come to the mosque.”
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Fowler was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, and was banned from going near any mosque or specific areas in Sheffield for the same duration.
Chair of the bench Suzanne Irish-Deverill called the footage "disgusting" and condemned the “pre-planned” nature of the attacks.
“You also had the audacity to record it yourself,” she said. “It has had significant impact and caused shock and distress. People are entitled to travel to a place of worship without being racially or religiously harassed – it is a hate crime.”
Iman Atta, director of anti-hate crime organization Tell Mama, described the incident as deeply troubling.
“This specific targeting of a mosque and the release of rats in itself is highly dehumanizing. It’s highly stressful and distressing for communities," she said. “It’s not just a targeting of an institution – it’s the impact it has on the congregation… a congregation feeling that this is intentional harassment that they’re going through on an ongoing basis.”
Tell Mama reported that at least 20 Islamic sites across the UK have been targeted in the last six months, reflecting a troubling rise in anti-Muslim incidents.
Source: Agencies
