Man denies possessing offensive weapon at protest

A man charged with possession of an offensive weapon during a gathering in Birmingham has pleaded not guilty in court.

Shehraz Sarwar, 46, from Wright Road, Saltley, was accused following the event in Bordesley Green on Monday.

He was charged with possessing a wooden stick as an offensive weapon at the gathering which he claimed in court he had a "reasonable excuse" to carry as a religious staff.

Mr Sarwar appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court and opted to have his case heard there.

A trial date was set for 23 September.

The charge against him alleged he was in possession of the stick, which had cord wrapped around it, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse at the gathering at about 17:00 BST on Monday.

The court heard Mr Sarwar was identified by police from a TV still.

The hearing was told he claimed 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.

Mr 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 into custody until a second bail hearing on 15 August.

Elsewhere, Davina O’Shaughnessy, from Sandwell, appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court on Wednesday charged with public order offences.

She pleaded not guilty to one count of racially aggravated threatening behaviour and not guilty to two counts of threatening behaviour.

The 45-year-old is due to appear for trial at Walsall Magistrates' Court on 13 September.

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