A MAN calling himself the Angel Gabriel has been banned from 12 mosques in Huddersfield.
Samarul Haq, who calls himself Jibraeel – the arabic equivalent of Gabriel, had repeatedly plagued several mosques within a two-mile radius of Huddersfield town centre between March and June 2010.
Yesterday Huddersfield magistrates gave Haq a two-year Asbo banning him from mosques in Crosland Moor, Thornton Lodge, Lockwood, Springwood, Paddock and Birkby.
The court heard Haq, 38, of Mill Street, Crosland Moor, had repeatedly interrupted prayers at several mosques with swearing and threatening language.
When asked to leave Haq had become aggressive and threatening, and on one occasion had hit an elderly worshipper with his walking stick.
Haq, a Muslim himself, had showered in the toilet area causing offence to worshippers at one Lockwood mosque.
In another Lockwood mosque Haq had threatened two imams after being asked to leave their private quarters, shouted and sworn during prayers and had kicked and beaten doors inside the mosque.
The court heard Haq had been arrested on Manchester Road, Longroyd Bridge, after swearing in English and Punjabi and being abusive to a police officer.
Committee members of several mosques had agreed to allow Haq back, if he sought help for his behaviour, but Haq refused, magistrates heard.
Haq described as ‘a loner, who had been ostracised by his family, friends and the wider community’ sat unrepresented in court yesterday.
He refused to give evidence.
Sentencing him, bench chairman Christine Mill said: “We found Mr Haq’s attitude in the courtroom bordering on disrespectful, not only to the court, but also to witnesses.
“An Antisocial Behaviour Order is both necessary and proportionate...
“People should be allowed to go about their daily work without fear of harassment, alarm or distress...
“Everyone should be allowed to worship in peace and quiet without disturbance from Mr Haq.
“The leaders of the mosque have offered to meet with Mr Haq and offered him support and he has chosen not to accept this.”
