A man who racially and religiously abused Muslim women in Romford walked free from court with a suspended sentence. 

On Saturday April 20, 56-year-old Terry Eury subjected Muslim women in hijabs to horrific abuse in Romford's South Street.

The Met Police described it as "appalling" and launched an investigation into the incident after a video was shared online by Redbridge Community Action Group.

Eury, of Burr Close in Wapping, was later arrested and admitted racially and religiously aggravated intentional harassment. 

At Thames Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (May 21), Eury was given a 12-week custodial sentence, suspended for one year – meaning he left the court a free man. 

Eury was also ordered to complete three months of alcohol treatment, court documents state. 

After the incident councillor Ray Morgon, leader of Havering Council, said: “Like many of you, I was sickened by the video that emerged this weekend of a man racially abusing a group of Muslim women in Romford. 

"In a despicable display of cowardice, the man in question was seen spewing vile rhetoric and threatening the women simply for daring to step outside in their community.  

“Let’s be clear, this is a hate crime, and will not be tolerated. 

"I’m pleased to say that thanks to conscientious members of the public, and a quick response from our local police, this individual, who police confirmed is not a Havering resident, has been arrested.  

“I hope this sends a clear message to anyone else harbouring hatred in their hearts, this behaviour is not welcome in Havering.  

“There is more that unites us than divides us, and I’m calling on our local community to join me and make it clear that Havering is for everyone. 

"We will always treat all our communities fairly and equally.”