Religious Hatred

LONDON — The first person to be prosecuted for religious hatred under laws brought in after the September 11 attacks has been ordered to compensate a neighbour who said Osama Bin Laden was a great man. Electronics engineer Alistair Scott, 33, of Exeter, must give £100 to three neighbours after he told them he hated their Muslim religion because of the terrorist atrocities.

   Student Mohammad Hudaib had said September 11 was a great day. Bin Laden was a great man and all Americans deserved to die. He also spat and insulted Scott’s family. Scott, who admitted religiously aggravated threatening behaviour, was also ordered by Exeter magistrates to do 200 hours community service.