LONDON – A ‘racist Muslim’ who threatened to blow up police officers who he described as ‘white infidels’ has been sentenced to two years and nine months in prison.
It was explained in Snaresbrook Crown Court today that Haroon Rashid, 30, leapt into a racist and threatening tirade after police pursued him following a road rage incident.
Rashid is reported to have punched another man, Haroon Yusuf, in the face while clutching a key between his fingers.
When he was apprehended by police he threatened: “I am going to cut off your dick, you f***ing white infidels”. Rashid also threatened to ”Blow them up” and added: “You’re nothing without the uniform on.”
Ten days after the initial incident in summer last year, Rashid was found at an unemployment help and advice centre, threatening staff member Thambir Rauf with a pair of knuckledusters.
When staff members – mixed race Anthony Richards and white Leigh Barrick – intervened, Rashid launched in to another tirade of racial abuse aimed at the trio.
He told Mr Barrick he was a ‘F*** fat white c**t’ and that he would “come back for him at 5.30” for Richards.
He went to court on October 30th last year for a hearing about the matters, but instead used it as a platform to threaten Mr Rauf again.
Rashid told him “My bail’s was [sic] coming to an end” and that he would go home and get his knuckledusters.
The court heard that Rashid was abused as a child and has never received counselling for the pent-up anger inside him.
In 2009 he was jailed for a year after threatening to blow up a prison his brother was being held at because officials refused to give him details about his sibling over the phone.
Judge Sarah Paneth told him: “Everything you said were entirely unacceptable remarks.
“These were terrifying acts that caused a lot of fear but I accept you have shown some remorse… but it is difficult to say that you have shown any determination to correct your behaviour.
“This is behaviour is very similar to the behaviour in 2009 emanating from your childhood difficulties that you have never dealt with.
“The racist element of these offences is not typical of you – you took an easy way of abusing and threatening people and that is a matter that is serious but out of character.
“This spate of behaviour took place over a relatively short period of time but on each occasion you were granted bail and on each occasion you breached it.
“Your partner has been very supportive and has spoken warmly of you and has been through thick and thin with you.”
Judge Paneth then sentenced Rashid to serve two years and nine months after he pleaded guilty to six of eight charges against him.
Rashid admitted three counts of racially aggravated intentional harassment, one count of actual bodily harm, one count of possession of an offensive weapon, and another of intimidation.
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