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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Muslim hotel row case dismissed | Muslim hotel row case dismissed |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| A devout Christian couple have been cleared of insulting a Muslim guest because of her faith. | A devout Christian couple have been cleared of insulting a Muslim guest because of her faith. |
| Benjamin and Sharon Vogelenzang were accused of launching a tirade against Ericka Tazi at the Bounty House Hotel in Aintree, Liverpool, in March. | Benjamin and Sharon Vogelenzang were accused of launching a tirade against Ericka Tazi at the Bounty House Hotel in Aintree, Liverpool, in March. |
| The couple denied using threatening, abusive or insulting words which were religiously aggravated. | The couple denied using threatening, abusive or insulting words which were religiously aggravated. |
| District judge Richard Clancy dismissed the case at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Wednesday afternoon. | |
| Mrs Tazi, who converted to Islam 18 months ago, spent a month at the hotel in Church Avenue while attending a course at Aintree Hospital. | Mrs Tazi, who converted to Islam 18 months ago, spent a month at the hotel in Church Avenue while attending a course at Aintree Hospital. |
| Court demonstrations | |
| She claimed the couple became enraged when she wore a hijab on her last day and accused Mr Vogelenzang, 53, of asking her if she was a murderer and a terrorist. | She claimed the couple became enraged when she wore a hijab on her last day and accused Mr Vogelenzang, 53, of asking her if she was a murderer and a terrorist. |
| But the couple denied her version of events and claimed Mrs Tazi told them Jesus was a minor prophet and that the Bible was untrue. | But the couple denied her version of events and claimed Mrs Tazi told them Jesus was a minor prophet and that the Bible was untrue. |
| The two-day trial ended when Judge Clancy dismissed the case. | The two-day trial ended when Judge Clancy dismissed the case. |
| Mr and Mrs Vogelenzang were backed by campaign group The Christian Institute which held demonstrations of support outside the court. | |
| It has been a very difficult nine months and we are looking forward to rebuilding our business and getting on with out lives. Sharon Vogelenzang | |
| Earlier on Wednesday the court heard that takings at the couple's hotel were down by 80% since they were prosecuted for the public order offence. | |
| Speaking from the witness box, Mr Vogelenzang accused 60-year-old Mrs Tazi of "trying to ruin his business" during heated scenes. | |
| Speaking after the hearing, Mrs Vogelenzang, 54, said: "It has been a very difficult nine months and we are looking forward to rebuilding our business and getting on with out lives. | |
| "We would like to thank all those who have supported us over the last nine months - our family, our friends, our church, and Christians from all around the world and non-Christians. | |
| "And as Christmas approaches we wish everybody peace and goodwill." |