Man pleads not guilty to assaulting George Galloway
A man accused of beating up controversial MP George Galloway has been remanded in custody after pleading not guilty.
Neil Masterson, 39, appeared at Hammersmith Magistrates’ Court in west London on Monday charged with religiously aggravated assault against the Bradford West MP.
The pro-Palestine politician was attacked in Golborne Road, Notting Hill, London, on Friday evening and needed an overnight stay in hospital.
Mr Galloway suffered bruising and swelling to his face, the court was told.
Dark-haired and pale-faced Masterson, of Campden Hill, Kensington, used to work for the Department of Work and Pensions and as a manager at the BBC but is now a full-time carer for a friend, the court heard.
Wearing a grey sweatshirt, he spoke only to confirm his personal details during the short hearing.
He is also charged with assaulting a member of the public and possession of cannabis.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Isleworth Crown Court on September 15.
Mr Galloway did not attend today’s hearing.
The Respect Party MP was interviewed earlier this month by West Yorkshire Police following a speech in Leeds in which he claimed Bradford was an Israel-free zone.
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