An anti-migrant protestor hurled a Molotov cocktail at a hotel housing asylum seekers, a court heard. Mark Neville, 64, had attended several rallies at the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in Islington before the alleged attack on September 25, it was said. Edward Aydin, prosecuting, said the blaze at the front entrance was put out by the hotel’s porter and no one was hurt, but the attack could have had “horrific consequences”.
Mr Aydin said: “He has been at the hotel several times in rallies and protests.”He armed himself with a milk bottle, spirited with a tissue. He threw it towards the entrance of hotel.
“The porter saw the Molotov cocktail and put it out.
“He also discovered a glove in a nearby bin which police seized and DNA is now being examined for forensic evidence.
“He has mental health difficulties. He is an alcoholic.”
Neville was found with a lock knife five minutes from the hotel near his home when he was arrested later that night.
Wearing a grey prison tracksuit with glasses, bespectacled Neville appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday via videolink from HMP Pentonville, speaking only to confirm his personal details, with a pair of crutches rested by his side.
Neville, of Islington, is charged with making an explosive substance with intent to endanger life, arson with intent to endanger life and possession of a knife in a public place.
No pleas were entered and he was remanded in custody ahead of his next appearance back at the same court on November 4.
