TWO men have appeared in court accused of a booze-fuelled 'racially aggravated' attack on the Masjid-E-Noor mosque in Gloucester.
Clive Michael Ceronne, 37, and Ashley Henry Juggins, 20, appeared at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court yesterday charged with conspiracy to commit arson.
They are accused of buying lager, vodka and a petrol can of fuel from a London Road garage and using the fuel to set fire to the Muslim place of worship in Ryecroft Street on Tuesday morning.
Speaking in court, prosecutor Teresa Perry said the 'prompt actions' of a passer-by meant the fire was quickly put out but the alleged crime was 'serious and racially aggravated'.
The men were stopped by police after running a red light later that day and Cerrone, of Redwood Close, in Gloucester, who previously worked in the security industry, was arrested.
Juggins, of Brooklyn Road in Cheltenham, who is on Jobseekers allowance, was initially told to walk home but later arrested by officers after being caught placing an 'obstruction' in the road.
They were later both charged with conspiracy to commit arson.
Ceronne appeared in the docks at the magistrates' court dressed in a dark T-shirt which showed a tattoo down his left arm.
Juggins was dressed in a grey T-shirt and black glasses.
Both spoke only to confirm their names, addresses and dates of birth.
Neither of the men entered a plea and both had their applications for bail rejected by District Judge Joti Bopa-Rai.
They were remanded in custody until their next hearing on July 19 at Gloucester Crown Court.
Repairs have already taken place at the mosque, which suffered only minor damage thanks to a Good Samaritan who extinguished the flames.
The man, who is believed to be a taxi driver, possibly Polish, is still being sought by the grateful community, who want to thank him.
If it was you, or you know who it was, call Laura Enfield on 01452 698828 or email laura.enfield@glosmedia.co.uk.
