A man in the UK was sentenced to two and a half years in prison on Friday after pleading guilty to threatening to burn down five mosques and kill worshippers inside. The man, identified as Blake Hindry, 30, from Gillingham, Kent, made the menacing calls on August 5, sparking fear and alarm within Muslim communities already on edge following recent violent incidents.
Threatening Calls Targeting Mosques
Hindry made his threats via phone calls to mosques in London and Kent. He used a withheld number and, in chilling messages, vowed to set the buildings on fire and kill everyone inside. His language was aggressive and filled with hate, referring to himself as an “English patriot” and labeling Muslims as “paedophiles and killers.” His actions appeared to be influenced by misinformation circulating online, particularly after a tragic stabbing in Southport on July 29 that claimed the lives of three young girls during a dance class. False rumors spread on social media, falsely accusing a Muslim asylum seeker of the crime, which fueled anger and unrest.
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Police Response and Arrest
The Metropolitan Police responded swiftly to the threats. Officers worked “around the clock” to trace the calls back to Hindry, despite his attempts to hide his identity by using a withheld number. He was arrested three days later, on August 8, following an intensive investigation. His arrest provided some reassurance to the Muslim community, which had been particularly concerned about its safety amid a rise in right-wing violence and anti-immigration sentiment across the UK.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Hindry was brought before Maidstone Magistrates Court on August 10, where he pleaded guilty to the charges. On August 17, he was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to two years and six months in prison. The court described his actions as a “religiously motivated and aggravated torrent of hate and aggression.” During sentencing, it was noted that Hindry, who has a history of violence and making violent threats, claimed to be a Muslim himself, adding a bizarre twist to the case.
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The case has highlighted the ongoing concerns within Muslim communities in the UK, which have been the target of increasing violence and hostility. Metropolitan Police Commander Louise Puddefoot acknowledged these fears, stating that the police are committed to bringing offenders to justice and building trust within communities. “Our teams continue to investigate all offenses committed during this period of disorder as we work hard to build trust and confidence in communities,” she said.