Rowan Laxton's case has come to court

In February I reported the claims that

"A high-ranking diplomat at the Foreign Office has been arrested after allegations that he launched a foul-mouthed anti-Semitic tirade.

Middle East expert Rowan Laxton, 47, was watching TV reports of the Israeli attack on Gaza as he used an exercise bike in a gym.

Stunned staff and gym members allegedly heard him shout: 'F**king Israelis, f**king Jews'. It is alleged he also said Israeli soldiers should be 'wiped off the face of the earth'.

His rant reportedly continued even after he was approached by other gym users."

I now read that Rowan Laxton's case has come to court and this paragraph caught my eye:

"Mr Falter claimed that Mr Laxton, head of the South Asia desk in the Foreign Office, admitted that it was him who had launched the tirade before allegedly adding: “It’s not racist. If I had my way, the international community would be sent in and if the Israelis got in the way, they would be blown off the face of the f***ing Earth.” "

Mr Laxton's defence seems to be the usual one of: now embarrassed, personal emotional problems, has Jewish friends and the classic "His barrister, Julian Knowles, told the court that his client could not be guilty of inciting religious hatred or causing alarm, harassment or distress because he had no reason to believe anyone could hear him. "

Here's an interesting passage:

"Mr Laxton had initially been told by police that he would be cautioned for the offence before Mr Falter tipped off the media and articles appeared in the press. It was then that the Crown Prosecution Service decided to charge him.

Mr Falter admitted to court that he had contacted the media about the altercation.

Mr Laxton, who answers to David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, has been suspended from his £70,000-a-year job and could be dismissed if found guilty. "

So the police didn't think this was worthy of pursuing until the media got involved; I wonder if they would take the same relaxed attitude to someone expressing profanities about Islam?

I have no faith in Rowan Laxton being found guilty as the atmosphere of hatred that has been stirred up against Israel by the BBC amongst others probably means that some on the jury will agree with the sentiments (if not the public expression of them) displayed by the Foreign Office's Rowan Laxton.