Man ‘smashed mosque prayers and fought worshippers’

A MAN has appeared in court accused of vandalising framed prayers at a Dundee mosque and threatening worshippers.

Donald Percy Skene, 38, is charged with allegedly conducting himself in a disorderly manner at Taj Madina Mosque last Friday by acting in an aggressive manner, shouting and swearing and repeatedly struggling with members of the congregation.

Prosecutors allege Skene, of Soapwork Lane, repeatedly punched and smashed the glass of framed prayers on the walls of the mosque and repeatedly tried to smash the glass on a cupboard containing copies of the Koran.

It is further alleged that he refused to desist and struggled violently with police constables Rebecca Bann and Steven Moir.

Prosecutors will attempt to prove the breach of the peace was aggravated by religious prejudice.

Skene made no plea or declaration at a short hearing in private at Dundee Sheriff Court.

A motion for bail by his solicitor Ross Donnelly was denied by Sheriff Alastair Brown and Skene was remanded in custody.

The case is expected to call again next week.