A pensioner wore a burqa to court today as he denied concealing his identity by wearing the religious garment at an anti-migrant protest.

Timothy Miller, 76, told a district judge he was the subject of an ‘unlawful arrest’ during last month’s protest in Portsmouth.

He denied wearing ‘a burqa to conceal your identity’ at the demonstration on September 12 – ahead of which police had warned they would arrest participants wearing face masks and coverings.

Around 2,000 protesters descended on the city following a small boat of migrants arriving.

Miller appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court wearing a burqa and carrying a black handbag and orange folder.

Miller, who had no legal representation, questioned why migrants are allowed to enter the UK without having their religion questioned as he was repeatedly asked about his apparent conversion to Islam.

He claimed it was part of his religious observance and that he would ‘advise anyone to put the veil on and live within the veil’.

He also described having an ‘inquisitive mind’ and said that the UK is ‘moving towards an Islamic society’. As such, Miller suggested, it will be an advantage for him to convert to Islam.

He was asked to remove his veil when he was identified by the court, but then put it back on.

The defendant, from Hedge End in Hampshire, entered a not guilty plea and was told his trial at the same court will take place on February 16.

But when he was asked what his legal defence to the charge was, Miller said: ‘The issue quite simply is we should have one law and I think everyone is in agreeance.’

District Judge Stephen Apted replied: ‘That doesn’t defend you from the charge.’

Miller said that he had an ‘exemption’ for ‘Islamic’ religious observance.

Mr Apted went on to ask Miller to clarify that he observed Islam as a religion, the defendant replied: ‘As such as I am studying Islam, as it seems to be the most beneficial religion to be noticed in this climate today.’

When asked about his religion, Miller said: ‘I don’t feel I should answer this question because no one else is asked this question when they come into the country. Why am I being asked this?

‘I have never ever heard of anyone being questioned about their religion. How can this be possible?’

Read More: Anti-migrant protester arrives at court in burqa