Man, 46, seen carrying a wooden stick at a counter-protest denies possessing an offensive weapon and claims he had 'reasonable excuse' to carry it as a religious staff
- UK riots latest: Police prepare for 'busiest' day of far-right disorder so far
A man who was seen carrying a wooden stick at a counter-protest has denied possessing an offensive weapon - claiming he had a 'reasonable excuse' to carry the item as a religious staff.
Shehraz Sarwar, 46, will face trial next month at Birmingham Magistrates' Court after being caught on TV coverage in Birmingham.
The charge against him alleges that he was in possession of the stick, which had cord wrapped around it, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse at a gathering in Belchers Lane, Bordesley Green, at about 5pm on Monday.
Sarwar's court appearance came as the West Midlands police and crime commissioner Simon Foster issued a call for people to stand together and to avoid protests and gatherings in the region.
A 20-minute hearing at Birmingham Magistrates' Court was told Sarwar, from Saltley, was identified by neighbourhood officers from a Sky News still.
The hearing was told Sarwar claims to have carried the stick locally for more than 11 years and says he is a 'well-known character' in the Saltley and Alum Rock areas.
Sarwar, who is not accused of any involvement in violent disorder, said 'I never done nothing, judge' and 'Give me a chance' as he was remanded in custody until a second bail hearing on August 15.
Shehraz Sarwar, 46, will face trial next month at Birmingham Magistrates' Court after being caught on TV coverage in Birmingham
Young men, some in masks, gathered outside a Mcdonalds in Bordesley Green amid rumours of a far-right gathering
Some protesters donned masks to stand on the roundabout - as many have in the riots seen in recent days
A trial date was set for September 23.
West Midlands Police are investigating other incidents connected to disorder in the area around the Belchers Lane counter-protest, including an attack on a drinker outside a pub in Yardley which did not result in serious injuries.
Masked groups turned out in the Alum Rock and Bordesley Green areas on Monday after rumours circulated in a far-right Telegram group of thugs heading to the city.
Some of those who turned up to a McDonalds in the area confronted Sky News reporter Becky Johnson as she delivered a live report to anchorman Mark Austin - riding up to her on a motorbike as she spoke to the camera.
Ms Johnson later disclosed that a Sky News van was attacked by a man with a knife as they attempted to leave the scene - after being told they were not welcome in the area.
As she reported that local community leaders had been speaking to police about the gatherings, the man shouted: 'Yo, free Palestine, f*** the EDL (English Defence League)'.
He was then surrounded by accomplices who approached the camera as it sought to turn away and crop them out of the scene - while Ms Johnson attempted to apologise for the language used by the protesters.
A car was also attacked after social media rumours of a far-right protest in the area proved to be false.
Some businesses in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter closed early on Wednesday, or were boarded up, ahead of further expected protests.
Sky News reporter Becky Johnson was confronted by a gang of masked thugs live on TV
The protester shouted 'Free Palestine, f*** the EDL' as the reporter looked on and associates joined him
The camera was then turned away from the gathering - but some of those who turned up in masks followed it and gestured at the camera
Mr Foster said in a statement: 'I appreciate and understand, that there are serious concerns across the West Midlands, as a consequence of the disgraceful scenes of disorder and violence, that have taken place across the country.
'My clear expectation of West Midlands Police is that: Firstly, police officers and staff will do all that is within their power, to keep people and communities safe and secure.
'Secondly, at all times, policing is without fear or favour and anyone, whoever they are, if they engage in disorder or violence, will be held to account and will face the consequences of their criminal activity.
'I want to make it clear that there is no place for division, hate or racism and it will not be tolerated in the West Midlands.
'My advice to everyone, is that I strongly urge you to avoid gathering at any events and that you allow the police to carry out their essential duties, on behalf of the public.
'Now, more than ever, we must stand together.'
