A cowardly Muslim man who posted a message on Facebook following the deaths of six British troops which said "all soldiers should die and go to hell" has been convicted by Huddersfield Magistrates' Court.

Azhar Ahmed, 20, admitted writing the update after learning about the deaths of the soldiers in March.

The six soldiers were killed by an improvised explosive device, known as an IED, in the deadliest single attack on British forces in Afghanistan since 2001.

The court heard Ahmed posted his abhorrent message just two days after the deaths.

It said (all sic): "People gassin about the deaths of Soldiers!

What about the innocent familys who have been brutally killed.

"The women who have been raped.
"The children who have been sliced up!

"Your enemy's were the Taliban not innocent harmful (sic) familys (sic).

"All soldiers should DIE & go to HELL! THE LOWLIFE F****N SCUM!
"gotta problem. go cry at your soldiers grave and wish him hell because thats where he is going."

Ahmed bleated the court that almost immediately he began to receive critical comments on his wall and realised the second half of his post was "unacceptable".

However, he denied it was "grossly offensive", telling a district judge he thought it would have been "upsetting" and caused "distress".

Ahmed denied sending a message which was grossly offensive but was found guilty.

He will be sentenced later.