A Christian Evangelist in Witney said he became too frightened to go to church after he was attacked for his religious beliefs.

Michael Knight

Michael Knight, 20, gave up his job as caretaker at the Welcome Evangelical Church in High Street, after the attack in May.

"I used to go to church four times a week, but since May I've been about 10 times," he said.

"I had to let the caretaker's job go because I couldn't face the responsibility of securing the building on my own, and making sure everything was safe."

Mr Knight, of Park Road, added: "At the beginning I was too frightened to go to church, but I went back yesterday, and I'm hoping to get back into it."

On Friday, two 15-year-old boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, became the first people in the Thames Valley area to be convicted of religiously aggravated assault under the Anti-Terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001.

They both received supervision orders, and were ordered to attend alcohol misuse sessions.

One boy was also given a three-month curfew.

Mr Knight said: "I hope this makes people realise you can't persecute someone because of their beliefs."