A man who smashed the windscreen of a police car and assaulted a TV cameraman during violent Sydney protests against an anti-Islamic film has avoided jail.
Omar Halaby, 19, appeared remorseful when Magistrate Pat O’Shane sentenced him in Downing Centre Local Court on Friday.
The court heard that he acknowledged his actions were “stupid and reckless” and he was remorseful for his behaviour.
Ms O’Shane commended senior Muslim community leaders for condemning the violent protests.
“Otherwise they seem to generate more and more hostility and division in the community,” she said.
The court heard Halaby has already paid $500 for the damage to the police car and had no prior convictions.
Ms O’Shane sentenced him to a 12-month good behaviour bond.
Halaby was one of a number of men charged with criminal behaviour during a demonstration that turned violent in Sydney’s CBD on September 15 last year.
The protest was sparked by the US-produced YouTube film Innocence Of Muslims.
Halaby has been on a disability pension for three years.
He has problems concentrating and other learning difficulties as well as suffering partial deafness in his right ear.
The court heard that he yelled Islamic slogans at a camera crew during the protest and pushed a cameraman.
Later, he picked up a milk crate and smashed the windscreen of the police vehicle.