A preacher who called a gay man ‘filthy’ and ‘worse than a terrorist’ has been convicted of hate crime.
In an unhinged outburst in Hyde Park, Omar Mohamad, 65, cornered his victim and launched a homophobic tirade against him, accusing him of ‘spreading AIDS’.
The man known as ‘Uncle Omar’ is a well-known figure at Speakers’ Corner, a site famous for public debates since the 1800s.
Mohamad, 65, turned on the victim when he called out a man for glorifying terrorism during speeches in the park in October 2019.
In retaliation, the defendant cornered the white Islamic convert for six minutes and subjected him to a hate-filled attack that was captured on video.
The preacher was also previously convicted of hitting a police officer in the face with a walking stick when violence broke out at a right-wing rally led by English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson.
Mohamad denied committing a hate crime, however, just after a one-day trial at City of London Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday he was found guilty of using threatening, abusive, insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
Kalsoom Shah, senior crown prosecutor at CPS London South, said after the conviction that Mohamad carried out a ‘nasty personal attack on the victim based on his sexuality’.
He added: ‘London’s Speakers’ Corner has had a proud and longstanding tradition of providing a space for debate, but this does not mean it is a safe space for hate crimes.
‘Mohamad carried out a personal attack on the victim based on his sexuality.
‘His words were homophobic, hostile and designed to intimidate and discredit the victim, who was left feeling extremely upset.
‘I want to thank those that called out this nasty behaviour at the time, and all those who provided statements to help the prosecution.
‘Hate crime has no place in our society. I hope this conviction gives other victims of hate crime the courage to come forward.’
The Crown Prosecution Service said that due to the nature of the hate crime, prosecutors will seek an increased sentence.
Mohamed, from Reading, Berkshire, will be sentenced at City of London Magistrates’ Court later this month.
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