A MAN has admitted beating Bradford MP George Galloway, but denied his attack was religiously aggravated.

Neil Masterson, 39, also admitted assaulting another man, Mostafa Maroof, when he appeared at court this morning.

Masterson, of Kensington, west London, made his pleas in a brief appearance at Isleworth Crown Court and was remanded in custody to stand trial on November 10.

The pro-Palestine MP for Bradford West was attacked in Golborne Road, Notting Hill, London, on August 29 and needed an overnight stay in hospital.

The Respect politician (pictured) was said to have suffered bruising and swelling to his face in the attack.

Masterson, who used to work for the Department of Work and Pensions and as a manager at the BBC, and is now a full time carer for a friend, admitted assaulting Mr Galloway on August 29 by beating him.

He also admitted assaulting Mostafa Maroof on the same date by beating him.