A man who threatened to cut a group of Jews’ throats has pleaded guilty to multiple hate crime offences after prosecutors authorised charges within 24 hours.
Wayne Kelly, 65, appeared before a district judge at Manchester Magistrates' Court today, where he admitted directing a torrent of antisemitic abuse at a group of Jewish men as they walked to a synagogue before threatening to go home to retrieve knives and cut their throats.
Around 10.30pm on May 6, Kelly was walking his dog on Northumberland Street when he came across a group of Jewish men on their way to the synagogue and shouted antisemitic abuse at them.
The men contacted a helpline run by Jewish volunteers, and a local resident attended to help. Kelly continued to shout abuse, repeatedly making threats and referring to historic atrocities committed against Jewish people.
Kelly then removed his coat and moved towards one of the men with clenched fists. Another member of the group stepped between them to prevent a physical assault.
Greater Manchester Police arrested Kelly at the scene. As he was led to the police vehicle, he shouted antisemitic abuse towards a Jewish child who was in the area.
One of the victims later told police that he recognised Kelly from a previous incident on 12 March 2026, when Kelly had banged on his car while shouting antisemitic abuse as he parked on Northumberland Street.
He was arrested and charged within 24 hours of the offences taking place.
Sarah Hammond, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “In this targeted attack, Wayne Kelly hurled vile antisemitic abuse at Jewish men who were on their way to a synagogue.
“Not content with shouting abuse, Kelly also threatened the man and made references to historic atrocities committed against Jewish people.
“The strength of the evidence left Kelly with little option but to admit the offences.
“I would like to thank the victims who supported this prosecution and hope the speed of this prosecution reassures them that we are determined to respond swiftly and decisively to hate in our communities.
“There is no place for intolerance or hatred in our society, and the Crown Prosecution Service will continue to work closely with the police to ensure those who spread hate, prejudice and hostility face the full consequences of their actions.”
Kelly will be sentenced at Manchester Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
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