SALFORD MAN AVOIDS JAIL AFTER MANCHESTER ARENA MEMORIAL DAMAGE

Anwar Hosseni was spared jail by Judge Dean QC after previously pleading guilty to a charge of criminal damage by making scratch marks upon the Glade of Light memorial dedicated to the victims of a bomb attack at an Ariana Grande concert in 2017.

Hosseni was observed on CCTV footage in the early hours of February 9th 2022, making scratch marks which required extensive repairs, with the cost of the damage reported to be a staggering £10,768.80.

He was handed a two year community order by the courts and will be required to undertake a 12-month mental health treatment programme and 10-days of rehabilitation. 

Jude Dean QC said that he was confident that the actions of Anwar were not politically motivated implying that he believed it to be more so a misguided thought process in which Hossenu believed he was paying respect.

The 24-year-old was also given a two-year ban from entering the area around the memorial for the victims of the cruel arena bomb attack which took the lives of twenty two, both adults and children who were innocent victims of a callous act of terrorism.

Mr Hosseni claimed that he was etching the marks as 'light language' in what he considered to be a way to honour the victims but now recognises his actions caused distress to the victims families as well as the wider community who were quick to condemn the act of vandalism. He acknowledged the damage caused and expressed a want to pay back his debt to his community.