A man admitted beating controversial West Yorkshire MP George Galloway but denied his attack was religiously aggravated.

Neil Masterson, 39, also admitted assaulting another man, Mostafa Maroof.

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

He was said to have suffered bruising and swelling to his face.

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.

Masterson denied religiously-aggravated common assault on August 29 against Mr Galloway. An application for bail was refused.

Mr Galloway did not attend the hearing.

The Respect Party MP was interviewed earlier last month by West Yorkshire Police following a speech in Leeds in which he claimed Bradford was an Israel-free zone.