THE law in this country has gone to pot. I am shaking with anger and absolutely disgusted.”

These are the words of grieving father John Howarth who is demanding a change in the law after a Muslim extremist was fined just £50 for burning poppies on Armistice Day.

Mr Howarth’s son, former Queen Elizabeth School pupil Andrew Howarth, was killed while serving in Afghanistan in September last year.

“I represent everyone who has lost someone serving for their country when I say that this is totally wrong” said Mr Howarth. He said it was “disgraceful” that a Muslim extremist could burn poppies and be fined £50.

“He should be locked up for life,” Mr Howarth, from Wim- borne, added.

He spoke out when he heard Emdadur Choudhury, 26, from London had received the fine under the Public Order Act when he appeared before Woolwich Crown Court this week.

District Judge Howard Riddle told Choudhury: “Burning of the symbol of remembrance was a calculated and deliberate insult to the dead and those who mourn or remember them.”

But Mr Howarth said the court was too lenient and now plans to write to the government and ask for a change in the law.

“Remembrance Day is not just about the World Wars – it is about every conflict since, including those that are still ongoing. This has upset me and wound me up and there are thousands of families and widows out there who must feel the same.”

A keen sportsman, Andrew was just 20 when he died while serving with the Fondouk Squadron of the Queen’s Royal Lancers Regiment. His father, uncle and brothers had all served with the regiment before him.

Andrew was popular in Wimborne and his funeral was held at the Minster. Friends spoke of his humour and his mum, Sarah, described him as her hero.

Howard Fairman, Dorset manager of the Royal British Legion, said: “Armistice Day in November is a time for remembrance. It is not a time when people should use the poppy for political ends.”

Mr Howarth’s MP, Annette Brooke, said she endorsed the views of David Cameron who said: “We should be making a stronger statement that that sort of behaviour is completely out of order and has no place in a tolerant society.”

Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood said: “Many people across Britain will be disgusted that a Muslim extremist received the equivalent of a parking fine for burning poppies. It fails to show any respect for the country he and his family have chosen to call home.”