TWO men have pleaded guilty to an arson attack on Grimsby's Mosque following the Woolwich murders – and a third has denied the accusation.
Stuart Harness, 33, and Gavin Humphries, 37, both of Dixon Avenue, pleaded guilty to the arson attack on the Grimsby Islamic Cultural Centre on Weelsby Road.
Two counts were put to them at Grimsby Crown Court: arson with the intent to endanger life, and arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered and property was damaged.
Appearing via video link from Hull prison, both Harness and Humphries denied intent but admitted the second charge of being reckless.
A third man, Daniel Cressey, 24, a cousin of the other defendants, denied both the charges and his trial date has been set for Monday, November 25, at Grimsby Crown Court.
The attack happened days after soldier Lee Rigby was killed outside his army Barracks in Woolwich on May 22.
Muslims Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale are awaiting trial for Rigby's murder.
It has been previously alleged in court that the Grimsby mosque had been firebombed four times on May 26 – "one after another", said prosecutor Manisha Singh. The lights to the mosque were on at the time of the attack and there were cars in the car park.
However, it is understood that Mr Cressey denies being at the scene.
Jeremy Evans, acting for the crown when the men gave their pleas, referred to video evidence of the car involved on the night of the alleged attack.
He added: "There is no clear footage of the inside of the car but we have an expert lined up who can analyse the suspension on the video and consider how many people were inside."
Charlotte Baines, defending Harness, asked Judge David Tremberg if a psychiatric report on the defendants would be necessary.
Judge Tremberg said it was not necessary at this stage, adding that "on the face of things, this would appear to be linked to something that happened in London".
He asked Mr Evans if the crown alleges there was a "degree of racial aggravation" in the offence.
"Absolutely," replied Mr Evans.
The case was adjourned until the trial on November 25.
Humphries and Harness will remain in custody and Cressey has been released on bail.
Judge Tremberg told Humphries and Harness: "I give you credit for your early guilty pleas and you can expect the maximum discount on the sentence you receive, ultimately."
