Man denies possessing wooden stick as offensive weapon at Bordesley Green counter-protest
A man seen carrying a wooden stick on TV coverage of a counter-protest in Birmingham has pleaded not guilty to possessing it as an offensive weapon.
Shehraz Sarwar, 46, from Saltley in Birmingham, will face trial next month at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court after claiming he had a “reasonable excuse” to carry the item as a religious staff.
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 approximately 5pm on Monday (5 August).
A 20-minute hearing at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court was told Sarwar was identified by neighbourhood officers from a Sky News image.
The hearing was told Sarwar claims to have carried the stick locally for more than 11 years and to be 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 15 August. A trial date has been set for 23 September.
Sarwar’s court appearance came as the West Midlands police and crime commissioner Simon Foster called for people to stand together and to avoid protests and gatherings in the region.
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.
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.
In a statement, Mr Foster said: “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.”
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