Man who falsely claimed to have AK-47 at mosque avoids criminal conviction

Louis Rapisarda was sentenced to 60 hours of community service for disturbing the peace at a place of worship and creating a public nuisance. (Supplied) The mosque is located in Bald Hills, in Brisbane's north. (ABC News: Crystalyn Brown) His lawyers submitted Rapisarda had a bipolar diagnosis but was unmedicated at the time which caused manic episodes. The incident was described to the court as being out of character for Rapisarda, who had no relevant criminal history. A magistrate ordered Rapisarda to complete 60 hours of community service but did not record convictions. Outside court Mr Rapisarda said he was "absolutely remorseful". "I'd like to thoroughly apologise to the Muslim community," he said. "I regret my actions." In a statement, Chairman of the mosque Mohammed Akbery said the Muslim community in Bald Hills was left "shaken" and concerned for their safety . "Heated rhetoric has real consequences for communities," he said. "Our members are ordinary Australians and should never feel unsafe at their place of worship." "Attempts to direct frustration or political grievances towards ordinary Muslim Australians are both unfair and misplaced." Mr Akbery said he understood Rapisarda was "facing his own challenges" and it was hoped the experience would lead him to "reflection, understanding and a positive path forward". "While the actions were deeply concerning, this has also been a reminder that fear, misinformation and division can affect people in different ways," he said.