A Muslim man who attacked a protester for burning the Koran outside the Turkish consulate in London has been spared jail.

Moussa Kadri told Hamit Coskun, "I'm going to kill you" after he burned the holy book, returning to slash Mr Coskun with a knife.

Prosecutors said that he later told police that he was protecting his religion.

Judge Adam Hiddleston handed Kadri a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, at Southwark Crown Court.

He must also carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and 10 days of rehabilitation.

The judge said the way Kadri lost his temper was "disgraceful", adding: "Use of blades is a curse on our community."

Kadri pleaded guilty to assault and having a bladed article in a public place.

Before the attack, Mr Coskun shouted "f*** Islam, "Islam is religion of terrorism" and "Koran is burning", as he lifted a flaming Islamic holy book during a protest in Rutland Gardens, Knightsbridge, West London.

Moussa Kadri leaving Southwark Crown Court after being spared jail time

Kadri called Mr Coskun "a f****** idiot" and slashed him with a knife.

He then chased the protester, who stumbled forward onto the ground, where Kadri then spat at and kicked him, the court heard.

Kadri told police: "Burning the Koran? It's my religion, you don't burn the Koran. I protect my religion."

Greg Unwin, defending, said: "This was a response to a very unusual situation that Mr Kadri has demonstrated regret and remorse for.

Coskun was slashed by Kadri for burning the Koran

"His reaction was in the heat of the moment to what he perceived was a deeply offensive act on a holy book."