A MAN who set off a CS gas capsule in a Worcester mosque has been sent to prison for 10 months.

Kevin Gill, aged 29, of St Paul's Hostel, Tallow Hill, Worcester, appeared before magistrates for possessing an offensive weapon.

Gill, who had previously admitted having the capsule, was sentenced to five months for possession and another five for stealing notes from the Royal Bank of Scotland to the value of £200.

The incident, which was condemned by religious leaders, happened on Sunday, May 13, at the Central Mosque, Tallow Hill. Four people were inside when the capsule was let off and all suffered from the effects of the gas, although none of then needed hospital treatment.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene after responding to reports of a gas leak.

Enquires were made by police and Gill was later arrested at the nearby hostel.

He told police he had done it for a joke and had lit two pellets, thinking they were smoke capsules - and said he believed no one was in the mosque at the time, despite the lights being on.

Gill also said if he had known they contained CS gas he would not have done it.

One of the capsules was let off outside the mosque, but the second was let off after he had gone in the main doors.

Malik Fayaz, president of the Central Mosque, said as Muslims they forgave him and prayed that he learnt from his sins.

"He has been dealt with by the law of the land for committing a crime but as far as faith goes we forgive him," he said.

"It was a bad substance, whether or not it was intended do harm."

Mr Fayaz added his thanks to Bishop of Worcester Dr Peter Selby and other Christian friends for their concern over the incident.

A spokesman for south Worcestershire police said: "We take reports involving offensive weapons very seriously - and this result demonstrates that they do not have to be guns or knives to bring a strong response from both the police and the justice system.

"Anyone using them - for whatever purpose - can expect the full weight of the law to fall upon them when, through the Crown Prosecution Service, they are put before the courts."