A PREACHER launched a homophobic tirade at London's Speakers' Corner by telling him "you're spreading AIDS" after he criticised a friend for glorifying terrorism.

Omar Mohamad, known as 'Uncle Omar' from Reading, branded the gay man "filthy" and accused him of killing 26 million people during the global AIDS crisis.

The unhinged outburst began when the victim called out a friend of Mohamad's for glorifying terrorism during speeches in Hyde Park in October 2019.

In retaliation, 65 year old Mohamad cornered the white Islamic convert for six minutes and subjected him to a hate-filled tirade that was captured on video.

He called the man "filthy" and a "creature" before adding "you are spreading AIDS". Mohamad added, "he [God] gave Adam and Steve" and said, "26 million died because of him" and "he's worse than a terrorist".

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The preacher, who was previously convicted of hitting a police officer in the face with a walking stick when violence broke out at a right-wing rally led by Tommy Robinson, denied committing a hate crime.

But after a one-day trial at City of London Magistrates' Court yesterday (Wednesday, September 1), Mohamad was found guilty of using threatening, abusive, insulting words, or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Kalsoom Shah, senior crown prosecutor at CPS London South, said after the conviction that Mohamad carried out a "nasty personal attack on the victim based on his sexuality"

She added: "London's Speakers' Corner has had a proud and longstanding tradition of providing a space for debate. But this does not mean it is a safe space for hate crimes.

"Mohamad carried out a personal attack on the victim based on his sexuality. Mohamad's words were homophobic, hostile and designed to intimidate and discredit the victim, who was left feeling extremely upset.

"I want to thank those that called out this nasty behaviour at the time, and all those who provided statements to help the prosecution.

"Hate crime has no place in our society. I hope this conviction gives other victims of hate crime the courage to come forward."

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The Crown Prosecution Service said that due to the nature of the hate crime, prosecutors will seek an increased sentence.

A spokesman said: "Crimes that are motivated wholly or partly by hostility or demonstrate hostility towards the victim of the offence based on that person's presumed race, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity, or disability are eligible for an increased sentence.

"The CPS will be applying for a hate crime sentence uplift in this case."

Mohamed will be sentenced at City of London Magistrates' Court later this month.

In June 2018, Mohamad was convicted at the same court of assault causing actual bodily harm after he struck a PC during clashes at a free speech event at Speaker's Corner led by the former EDL leader when a crowd of hundreds started chanting and cheering.