Yussef Alwali, is to appear in court in England after vandalising a church in London.

The thug, 21, is accused of ripping down a cross on Sunday afternoon and was even pictured doing so.

He has been charged with religiously aggravated criminal damage of the church in Chadwell Heath, north east London, and appeared at Barkingside magistrates court.

Dressed in a hoody and a t shirt, Alwali spoke only to confirm his name, age and address, before magistrates deemed the alleged offence to be too serious to be tried by magistrates partly due to its ‘racial undertones’ and he will next appear before a crown court.

Phillipa McCarthy, prosecuting, said: ‘There have been ongoing concerns about this defendant.

‘On this occasion, he has taken the cross off the Baptist Church. There are underlying issues.

‘Given the racial undertones and Mr Alwali’s background it would be outside your jurisdiction with regards to sentencing given the nature of the offence.’

Alwali is yet to enter his plea and medical examinations are set to take place.

Ms McCarthy added: ‘There may be issues that may require further investigation.’

Alwali was remanded in custody to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on November 18.

Barking and Dagenham Police said in a Twitter message: “We are aware of a video circulating on social media of a male causing damage to a religious premises on High Road, Chadwell Heath.

“A male has been arrested and the matter is being investigated. Any witnesses please call 101 quote cad 4071/18OCT. 323EA.”

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