Salford man pleads guilty after threatening Jewish worshippers with knives

A man has pleaded guilty after threatening Jewish worshippers in Salford and shouting antisemitic abuse including references to Nazis and gas chambers.

Wayne Kelly, 65, admitted multiple hate crime offences when he appeared before Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

The court heard Kelly approached a group of Jewish men walking to synagogue on Northumberland Street at around 10.30pm on 6 May while out walking his dog.

He admitted shouting antisemitic abuse at the group before threatening to go home, retrieve knives and “cut their throats”.

According to prosecutors, Kelly continued directing abuse at the group after local Jewish volunteers and residents arrived to help following calls for assistance.

The court heard he repeatedly referenced historic atrocities against Jews and at one stage removed his coat and advanced towards one of the men with clenched fists before another member of the group intervened to prevent violence.

Greater Manchester Police arrested Kelly at the scene.

Prosecutors also told the court that as officers escorted him to a police vehicle, Kelly shouted antisemitic abuse towards a Jewish child nearby.

One victim later reported recognising Kelly from an earlier incident on 12 March, during which he allegedly banged on his car and shouted antisemitic abuse while he was parking on the same street.

The case was charged within 24 hours of the incident, following authorisation by prosecutors.

Kelly was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing at a later date.

Sarah Hammond, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “In this targeted attack, Wayne Kelly hurled vile antisemitic abuse at Jewish men who were on their way to a synagogue.

“Not content with shouting abuse, Kelly also threatened the man and made references to historic atrocities committed against Jewish people.

“The strength of evidence left Kelly with little option but to admit the offences.

“I would like to thank the victims who supported this prosecution and hope the speed of this prosecution reassures them that we are determined to respond swiftly and decisively to hate in our communities.

“There is no place for intolerance or hatred in our society, and the Crown Prosecution Service will continue to work closely with the police to ensure those who spread hate, prejudice and hostility face the full consequences of their actions.”

A CST spokesperson previously told Jewish News: “We welcome the arrest following this incident, which was reported to CST and involved vile and threatening antisemitic rhetoric.

“Language of this kind is dangerous and has a serious impact on the Jewish community. Antisemitism and threats of violence must be dealt with firmly, and CST will continue to work closely with police to ensure incidents like this are treated with the seriousness they deserve.”

Marc Levy, Chief Executive at the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region, said: “The fact that an individual felt emboldened to engage in threats and appalling antisemitism in the heart of the Greater Manchester Jewish community is indicative of the surge in hate crime targeting Jewish people merely seeking to lead their lives.

“This regular occurrence and our demands of the government remain that we need strong action to ensure individuals are not radicalised to hate Jews in the UK.

“We are fortunate to be able to rely upon the professionalism of Greater Manchester Police, whose swift response dealt with the threat immediately.”

The incident came amid heightened concern over antisemitism following a series of attacks targeting Jewish communities in recent weeks, including the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green and attempted arson attacks linked to synagogues and Jewish sites in north-west London.