Andrew Ryan, 32, stole a copy of the holy book from Carlisle Library and then set it on fire with a lighter as a crowd gathered to hear his protests in front of a monument.
Police arrested Ryan, of Summerhill, Carlisle, shortly after the lunchtime incident in English Street on January 19.
Sentencing him at Carlisle Magistrates' Court, District Judge Gerald Chalk said: "This is a case of theatrical bigotry.
"It was pre-planned by you as you stole the book deliberately. You went out to cause maximum publicity and to cause distress." Before he was led to the cells, Ryan asked: "What about burning poppies?" [telegraph.co.uk] Read more
