Anti-migrant protester ‘hurled Molotov cocktail’ at migrant hotel, court told | UK | News

An anti-immigrant protester threw a petrol bomb at a hotel housing asylum seekers, the court heard. Mark Neville, 64, was said to have attended several rallies at the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in Islington before the alleged attack on September 25. Prosecutor Edward Aydin said the fire at the front entrance was extinguished by the hotel’s doorman and no one was injured, but the attack could have led to “terrible consequences”.

Aydin said: “He came to the hotel several times during rallies and protests.” He armed himself with a milk bottle and a handkerchief. He threw it towards the entrance of the hotel.

“The porter saw the molotov cocktail and put it out.

“He also found a glove in a nearby bin which police seized and its DNA is now being examined as forensic evidence.

“He has mental health issues. He’s an alcoholic.”

Neville was found with a lock knife five minutes from the hotel near his home when he was arrested that night.

Bespectacled Neville, wearing a gray prison tracksuit, appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court via HMP Pentonville’s video link on Tuesday and spoke only to confirm his personal details, accompanied by a pair of crutches.

Neville, from Islington, is charged with making an explosive device with intent to endanger life, arson with intent to endanger life and possession of a knife in a public place.

No defense was entered and he was taken into custody before appearing in the same court again on 4 November.