A MUSLIM protester who hit a cop with his stick at a Tommy Robinson rally has been spared jail.

Omar Mohamad travelled from Reading to march against the EDL leader and left Sergeant Guy Rooney with a severely bruised face.

2 Omar Mohamad has been spared jail after hitting a cop in the face at a rally Credit: Brais G. Rouco

The 62-year-old joined the Hyde Park event led by the controversial leader with a group of men.

During the rally he scuffled with the officer and struck him with a walking stick.

Sergeant Rooney suffered from post traumatic stress and his bruising was so bad his children wouldn't walk to school with him.

Passing a 26 week suspended sentence, District Judge Richard Blake said the rally was held "to express views that were adverse to the Muslim community in the United Kingdom".

2 The 62-year-old joined the Hyde Park event led by the controversial leader with a group of men Credit: Brais G. Rouco

He added: "We live in a democracy - people should feel free, within limits, to express their opinions.

"You were with a group of other men. It is fair to say that immediately in front of you there was a fracas.

"You joined into the melee that happened and you joined in with your stick.

"While you do need that stick to walk with, you very much used it by wielding it around as a weapon. You brought the stick round and struck the officer in the face.

"There is no doubt that this was a very significant injury that you caused with your stick."

Before his sentencing, Mohamad had written Mr Rooney an apology letter which the judge took into consideration.

Judge Blake said: "You're a man of sixty-two and of good character. You have got to sixty-two without committing an offence.

"Given your poor health and your previous good character it will be a suspended sentence."

Defending, Sarah Robinson told the court how Mohamad suffers from multiple illnesses that require a walking stick and explained he is currently living in sheltered accommodation.

She said: "He does deeply regret the injury and suffering he inflicted on the officer. He has consistently shown genuine remorse towards the police officer.

MOST READ IN NEWS Breaking furlough 2.0 Rishi announces furlough replacement scheme to top up wages through winter STORE TOT SNATCH Family's horror as 'kidnap gang try to rip girl, 1, from pram' in TK Maxx TECH A CHANCE How to download the new NHS Covid-19 track and trace app HAPPY MEAL McDonald’s worker pays customer’s bill after he calls mum to ask for her order FACE OFF Shocking moment passenger kicked off busy train for not wearing a face mask EAT IN OR TAKE OUT? Chaos & confusion over whether cafes will HAVE to offer table service

"He does express regret and having put himself in such a volatile situation he never wants to put himself into that kind of situation again."

Mohamad, from Reading, denied causing actual bodily harm but was convicted by the jury.

He was also ordered to pay £250 for court costs.

Tommy Robinson is currently serving a sentence for contempt of court.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.