Teenagers convicted of attack on Christian

Two teenagers have been convicted of religiously aggravated assault after they attacked a Christian and called him a "Jesus freak".

The boys, both 15, are believed to be the first to be prosecuted for attacking a Christian under the Government's Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act.

The act was considered to be intended to curb the threat of reprisals against people from ethnic minorities following the 11 September terrorist attacks.

The pair were both sentenced at Oxford Crown Court to carry out an 18-month supervision order and six sessions with an alcohol support group.

We take all cases of religiously motivated offences very seriously.

Cathy Olliver, Crown Prosecution Service

The attack happened on 24 May 2002, as Michael Knight, the 20-year-old son of a local church dignitary, was leaving the shop he managed in Witney, Oxfordshire.

The court heard how Mr Knight found himself surrounded by a group of eight drunken youths.

Prosecuting, Nigel Daly told the court: "Two of them started to ask him about his Christian beliefs. They started to call him 'Jesus lover'."

Mr Daly added: "There was a scuffle in which Mr Knight was hit in the leg with the hammer and repeatedly punched in the face."

Theft and battery

The court heard that after being arrested, one of the youths referred to Mr Knight as a "Jesus freak".

Both youths had a history of juvenile convictions for theft and battery.

Sentencing, Judge Julian Hall said: "No matter how you describe it, you frightened the life out of this man and you made his life a misery."

He also sentenced one of the youths to a three-month curfew.

After the case, Cathy Olliver of the Crown Prosecution Service said: "We take all cases of religiously motivated offences very seriously."