'I Am Studying Islam': 76-Year-Old Male Anti-Migrant Protester Arrested for Wearing Burka Turns Up to Court Wearing One
Timothy Miller argues that his actions were covered by a religious-observance exemption
A 76-year-old man charged with wearing a burka to conceal his identity during an anti-migrant protest has appeared in court wearing the same garment. He claimed he is studying Islam and wants to gain a better understanding of the religion.
Timothy Miller, from Hedge End, Hampshire, appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on 14 October to contest the charge relating to a demonstration held in Portsmouth on 12 September. His decision to wear the full-body covering to the hearing drew attention as he attempted to argue that his actions at the protest were protected by a religious exemption.
'I Am Studying Islam'
During the hearing, District Judge Stephen Apted asked Miller to lift his face covering so court officials could confirm his identity. The pensioner raised the veil while holding a black handbag and provided his name, date of birth and address.
When asked how he pleaded to the charge, Miller replied: 'As I am in every police camera, I am not guilty.'
He argued that he had not been attempting to hide his identity, pointing to the presence of police cameras and overhead drones during the demonstration. He also claimed that he had informed officers that he believed he qualified for an exemption relating to religious observance.
Miller told the court that he was studying Islam and had chosen to wear the garment to gain a 'greater understanding' of the faith. He described his interest as part of an ongoing process of exploring different religions.
When questioned about whether he followed Islam, he initially resisted answering directly, arguing that people should not be questioned about their religion. He later explained that he was studying the faith because he believed it was becoming increasingly relevant in Britain.
🚨 Pensioner arrested and charged for wearing burka during Portsmouth protest, attended court today wearing full Islamic dressTim Miller, absolute legend claims to be studying islamA British pensioner stood in a court dock today dressed in a burqa to deny concealing his identity at an anti-migrant protest – by wearing a burqa to the demonstration.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.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 claimed to have an 'inquisitive mind' and said that the UK is 'moving towards an Islamic society' and therefore 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 replaced it.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?'Judge Apted said: 'I am only asking you this question because my function is to manage this case. I need to identify what the real issues are in this case.'He continued: 'You need to prove that you were wearing these items for religious observance. That is going to require some evidence.'Miller said: 'In my mind it was unlawful arrest. I complied with everything.'I am on every single camera. I presented myself to these cameras.'I was never once asked to remove my facial covering. It will be on body cams.'Therefore I feel it is unlawful arrest which also must be contested.'Judge Apted said: 'You said to the officers I think at the time that you were converting to Islam.'Miller said: 'I am studying Islam and it appears to be the most beneficial religion to be noticed in this climate today.Miller told the court that he previously lived in Morocco and has also been to Bahrain and Dubai.He said he was looking at crowdfunding for his legal team for the case.
— Active Patriot (@ActivePatriotUK) October 14, 2026
Protest Arrest Sparks Legal Test
Miller was arrested following an anti-immigration demonstration in Portsmouth city centre on 12 September, when police used powers restricting face coverings in a designated area. The restrictions were introduced amid protests involving anti-migrant demonstrators and counter-protesters. Police had warned that they could arrest people wearing face coverings in circumstances covered by the law.
Miller was subsequently charged with wearing or using an item to conceal his identity at a protest. The case centres on whether his use of the burka fell within the law's provisions and whether the religious-observance exemption he claims applies to his circumstances.
The charge does not amount to a finding of guilt, and Miller has denied the allegation.
Court Orders Further Evidence for His Defence
Miller represented himself at the hearing and told the court he was crowdfunding to pay for legal representation at trial. He also argued that people should be treated equally under the law, saying: 'The issue quite simply is we should be all living under one law of which I think everybody is under agreement.'
The judge adjourned the case and released Miller on unconditional bail. His trial is scheduled to take place at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on 16 February 2027. The judge also said the defence would need to produce a report supporting Miller's argument that a man considering converting to Islam could wear a burka in public to better understand the religion and make an informed decision about observing it.
For now, the case remains unresolved. Miller's appearance in court in the same garment at the centre of the charge has brought renewed attention to the dispute over face-covering restrictions, religious exemptions and the limits of what constitutes concealing one's identity at a public demonstration.
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