Darren Connor appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court
Darren Connor
A man accused of entering a Manchester mosque with an axe, hammer and knife is also alleged to have been carrying zip ties and a balaclava, a court heard.
Darren Connor, 55, appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Friday (February 26) following an incident at Manchester Central Mosque, Victoria Park, on Tuesday (February 24).
Gareth Hughes, prosecuting, said Mr Connor is alleged to have attended the mosque during Ramadan prayers. Mr Connor, from Stockport, denied possession of an offensive weapon in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
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Court documents detail the particulars of that charge. Mr Connor is alleged to have been carrying an axe, a Stanley knife and a hammer. He pleaded guilty possession of cannabis, according to the charge sheet.
The court heard he is also alleged to have been ‘in possession of zip ties and a balaclava’. The case was adjourned for a pre-trial hearing at Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square, on April 3. No application for bail was made.
District judge Lucy Hogarth remanded Mr Connor, of Gorton Road, Stockport, into custody. She told him that due to the nature and circumstances of the charge, the case needed to be allocated to the Crown Court.
Earlier, police said a second man who was arrested in connection with the incident will face no further action.