Rapper pleads not guilty over allegedly ‘menacing’ video about Tommy Robinson

Omar Abdirizak, who has the stage name Twista Cheese, was granted bail at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court.

Omar Abdirizak, 30, outside Birmingham Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded not guilty to sending a grossly offensive or menacing message via the public communications network (Matthew Cooper/PA)

A rapper arrested after posting an allegedly “menacing” video mentioning Tommy Robinson is to face trial next year after pleading not guilty.

Prosecutors dropped a previous charge of conveying false information brought against Omar Abdirizak at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Friday, replacing it with an allegation of sending a grossly offensive or menacing message via a public communications network.

Abdirizak denied the new charge during a short appearance before District Judge David Wain and was granted bail to face trial on January 8.

The 30-year-old, from Sparkbrook, was told a police officer will be the sole witness at the forthcoming trial.

The Birmingham-based rapper, known as Twista Cheese, is alleged to have made the video, which he posted on social media, between August 1 and 10, before it was then shared by Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, on X.

Adjourning the case, District Judge Wain told Abdirizak: “The defence have applied for unconditional bail. That is not opposed by the prosecution.

“The gentleman will be granted unconditional bail to the trial date.”