A man from Golders Green has been jailed from a “racially motivated attack” for throwing rashers of bacon inside a mosque.

Piotr Czak-Zukowski, 28, of Sneath Avenue, was at Blackfriars Crown Court today (November 1) where he was sentenced to eight months in jail for criminal damage and a racial/religious public order defence.

On Sunday 2 October, Czak-Zukowski and Mateusz Pawlikowski, both Polish nationals, interrupted worshippers in evening prayer at the Al-Rahman Mosque in Crowndale Road, Camden.

Pawlikowski, 22, of Muswell Hill, approached one of the worshippers, swore at him, and threw a rasher of bacon towards him, continuing to throw further rashers on the floor of the prayer room.

He was given the same sentence as Czak-Zukowski today.

Police were called to the mosque and traced Pawlikiowski to a nearby location, where he took them to Czak-Zukowski who had gone to Camden Lock.

Empty packets of bacon were found on his person when searched.

DC Tracey McMath said: “The defendants showed a complete disregard for the faith and belief of others in this callous and highly offensive incident.

“I hope their convictions highlight that we will not tolerate hate crime in any of its forms.

“I know this incident had a significant impact on the community and commend the victims for speaking up.

“Hate crime is often a hidden crime and it is essential we stand together to investigate all such allegations, support victims and bring perpetrators to justice.”

Both men were arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred and taken into custody and later charged.

On Tuesday 4 October they pleaded guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court and were remanded in custody.

Hate crime can be reported at 999 in an emergency, by dialling 101 in a non-emergency or directly at a police station.