Camden Local Court heard last week that Ellis Lane resident Ben Hoskin, 22, had read a widely-distributed flyer from a protest group, the Camden/Macarthur Residents' Group.

The group's flyer, headed ``Are you against the large Islamic school for Camden?'', listed reasons the group opposed the school and encouraged others who shared their views to write to Mr Corrigan, Camden Council, this newspaper and other media. It also said that the group would hold a public rally.

Mr Corrigan has publicly welcomed the Islamic school and has no association with the residents' group.

But police facts tendered in court said Hoskin mistakenly believed Mr Corrigan had produced the protest flyer.

Hoskin wrote to Mr Corrigan in an email: ``Im a resident of camden and just received your flyer in the mail just wondering HOW RACIST ARE YOU? to tell you the truth I live within 2km of the new school site and couldnt care less if it is biult I HOPE THE FIRST THING THEY DO IS BLOW YOU AND ALL THE PEOPLE LIKE YOU UP!!!!!!!!''

A few minutes later, Hoskin sent Mr Corrigan another email with a more specific threat.

Hoskin has pleaded guilty to two charges of using a telecommunications device to menace, harass or offend. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of three years' jail.

Mr Andrews found the offences proved and ordered Hoskin to appear before the court for sentencing on a date later this month.