Teenager detained for six months for mosque attack
Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic CentreA teenager who threw paint over a mosque and smashed a window while people met inside has been sentenced to six months in custody.
Jayden Wallace, 18, admitted targeting Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre in March, aggravated by prejudice to religion.
Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard that members of the mosque saw Wallace outside smiling at them before he ran off.
Sheriff Lesley Johnston said it was a "senseless" act of vandalism that had caused upset in the community.
Fiscal depute Lindsay Shields said Aberdeen Mosque had been busy on Saturday 15 March with about 100 people inside.
Wallace was seen outside with a bucket of paint which was repeatedly thrown over the door. It also ended up on the pavement.
After midnight into Sunday, members of the mosque heard a smash and found glass shattered on the ground and a large stone.
They said they saw Wallace standing nearby, smiling. His movements were caught on CCTV.
'No excuse'
Defence solicitor Lisa Reilly said Wallace was currently serving a custodial sentence for assault.
"There is no excuse for his behaviour," she told the court of the mosque vandalism.
"There is no other option than a custodial sentence."
Sheriff Lesley Johnston said the vandalism was planned and persistent and aggravated by prejudice to religion.
She told Wallace his attitude demonstrated a "staggering degree of arrogance".
Naveed Mohammed, chairman of the Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre, said at the time that the community was shocked by what had happened.
He thanked neighbours who helped with the clean-up and sent messages of support.
"We've not had anything like this while I've been here for the last 18 years," he told BBC Scotland News.
"It's a very unique city, Aberdeen," he explained. "It's a very diverse community, lots of cultures, lots of communities all accept each other and we all live happily. It was just a bit of a shock and surprise.
"When the congregation started cleaning up, the local community came out and helped clean the mess."