Islamic preacher appears in court accused of swearing at ‘woman in tight jeans’

A MUSLIM street preacher has been charged with public order offences including accusations he shouted and swore at a woman for "wearing tight jeans".

Police were called after a 38-year-old woman claimed she feared for her safety following the incident in Birmingham city centre. 

An officer was called to New Street at around 5.30pm on Monday and a video later appeared on social media channels of the West Midlands Police officer trying to speak to local man Krissoni Henderson in connection with the allegation. 

The following day the 31-year-old was arrested from his Brook Street home in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter and, after being questioned, was charged with two public order offences. 

Unemployed Henderson appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court on July 6 accused of using insulting, threatening words or behaviour and using racially aggravated insulting words or behaviour. 

He was bailed to reappear before magistrates on 6 September with conditions not to contact his alleged victim. 

Birmingham West & Central Police Superintendent Andy Beard, said: "We received a call from a lady walking through central Birmingham making allegations that she had been sworn at and that derogatory comments had been made about her appearance. 

"We have investigated those claims and as a result a man has been charged. 

"People absolutely have the right in law to freedom of speech and visitors to Birmingham city centre will regularly hear people offering their opinion on a wide range of topics. 

"However, people must do so lawfully and if there is any suggestion anyone is abusing that right and using words likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress or cause a breach of the peace then we will investigate and take the appropriate action."