Bob Stewart's Racial Abuse Conviction Overturned

The court ruled that the remarks made by the former Tory MP did not cause harassment, alarm, or distress.

Former Tory MP Bob Stewart's conviction for a racially aggravated public order offence has been quashed by Southwark Crown Court.
The incident involved Stewart telling activist Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei to 'go back to Bahrain' during a confrontation outside the Foreign Office's Lancaster House.
Justice Bennathan stated that while Stewart's comments constituted abuse, they did not believe it caused Alwadaei harassment, alarm, or distress.
Alwadaei, a refugee from Bahrain, felt 'dehumanised' by Stewart's remarks but stated during cross-examination that he could not hear what Stewart was saying to him at the time.
Stewart, who has described himself as a 'friend' of Bahrain, denied his comments were racist, claiming he meant Alwadaei could protest safely if he returned to Bahrain.