A MAN who allegedly released a smoke grenade outside a mosque just hours after the Woolwich attack has entered no plea in court.

Geoffrey Ryan, 43, is accused of having two knives and making direct threats against Muslims outside a mosque in Silks Way, Braintree, at 7pm on Wednesday.

Ryan, of Brick Kiln Road, Braintree, entered no plea to two charges of possessing an offensive weapon and one of affray when he appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court this morning.

The bench said their powers were insufficient to deal with the case, and sent it to be heard at crown court.

A bail application was refused by magistrates.

  • Ryan will next appear at the court on May 30 via video link, ready for committal to crown court.