Teen could face jail after yelling religious abuse

A teenager has been warned he could face jail after he admitted yelling religious abuse from the top of a phone box in Brighton.

Max Ritchings, 18, shouted abuse relating to Muslims at Madeira Drive, near Brighton Pier, during Pride weekend on 4 August, amid disorder across the country.

The vape shop worker, from Haywards Heath, West Sussex, pleaded guilty to causing religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or distress at Lewes Crown Court.

Judge Christine Laing KC told him: "You must realise how serious the offences are and how seriously they are being viewed by the courts and custody is the likely result."

Ritchings also pleaded guilty to inciting violence by making social media posts encouraging arson of Islamic buildings.

Defence lawyer Nicholas Hamblin said he had apologised to the judge for his actions and had handed himself into police when he heard they were looking for him.

He added the teenager's time in custody before the court hearing had been a “short, sharp shock”.

Ritchings was released on bail. He is due to be sentenced on 18 October.

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