WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) - A Massachusetts man who tried to break into a mosque nearly two years ago because he did not like Islam has been sentenced to time served.
The Telegram & Gazette reports that 32-year-old Andrew Burke was sentenced Friday after pleading guilty to charges including attempted breaking and entering with intent to commit a misdemeanor, and a civil rights violation.
Police say the Shrewsbury man was seen on security video approaching the Worcester Islamic Center, kicking at a glass door and trying to pry open the doors. He eventually left but was later arrested.
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Police say after his April 2017 arrest Burke told officers he didn’t like Islam. A lawyer previously blamed his actions on mental illness.
Burke, who represented himself, told a judge Friday his psychotic episodes were caused by prescribed medications.
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Information from: Telegram & Gazette (Worcester, Mass.), http://www.telegram.com
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