Man pleads not guilty to synagogue attacks

"Ionut-Cristian Bold, 37, of no fixed address, indicated not guilty pleas to six counts of racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage. Mr Bold, a Romanian national, appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with a series of offences across north London between April and September. The charges relate to alleged incidents of damage to synagogue gates, fences and walls."

"Mr Bold also indicated not guilty pleas to one count of racially or religiously aggravated harassment without violence, three counts of criminal damage, and one count of having an article with intent to destroy or damage property. Before indicating each of his pleas, Mr Bold told the court: "Mark Zuckerberg is David of Israel. Prince Harry is Henry VIII." The court was told he has no previous convictions and was living in a squat at the time of his arrest."

"His defence team asked the judge to refer him for assessment by a mental health specialist. They added Mr Bold is self-employed, has lived in the UK for 11 years with indefinite leave to remain, and has a child in China with his partner. Deputy District Judge Rebecca Saillet told him she was remanding him in custody over concerns for his mental health, and his own protection."

A 37-year-old Romanian national, Ionut-Cristian Bold, has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts including six racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage offences and additional counts of harassment and criminal damage. The alleged incidents occurred across north London between April and September and reportedly involved damage to synagogue gates, fences and walls and spreading urine and faeces over synagogues and schools. He told the court "Mark Zuckerberg is David of Israel. Prince Harry is Henry VIII." He had no previous convictions and was living in a squat at arrest. Defence requested a mental health assessment; the judge remanded him in custody citing mental health concerns and his protection. He is due at Harrow Crown Court on 13 October.

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