A MUSLIM convert who went to court after alleging she had been racially abused by a Liverpool couple has said she has been distressed by the media coverage and feels like a prisoner in her own home.

Ericka Tazi, aged 60, from Penketh, has not left her house since the case at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court was dismissed last week after the judge ruled the evidence was inconsistent.

Ericka, who converted to Islam 18 months ago but says she has had the religion in her life for more than 16 years, had chosen to wear the hijab for the first time the day she claims the attack took place.

She said: “It was not easy dressing like this, it was very difficult.

“It says in the Koran that women wear a hijab and I wanted to do it but I was worried about the reaction and prejudice I would get from people.”

Ericka had been staying at Ben and Sharon Vogelenzang’s hotel while she attended a pain clinic at Aintree Hospital.

On her last day a party had been planned where everyone attending would tell the story of their journey over the past four weeks.

Ericka added: “The month at the pain clinic built up my confidence and the party seemed like a good opportunity to wear the hijab.

“I was nervous but I could feel a crescendo of confidence. When I went downstairs it was like an explosion had gone off and they started shouting at me.”

Ericka was upset when she went home and a friend suggested she told the police.

Ericka said: “I thought the police would just give them a warning, I had no idea it would turn into a show trial.

“If the police did not believe me, why was it taken to court?

“I was a victim but it wasn’t about me, the whole point was missed, it all became very political and things were twisted.”

Offers have been made to Ericka for her story from national newspapers but she wants to make it clear she is not being paid for this interview.

She said: “I’m a Warrington girl, I wanted to convert to Islam because I liked the morality, the way of life and it seemed more peaceful.

“I didn’t realise just how racist people could be until I’ve been on the other side.”

Texts have been sent to Ericka from other Muslim women and converts who say they are scared after the case was dismissed.

Usman Bob Stewart, chairman of the Warrington Islamic Association, said: “The concern now is that Muslims and people from other minority groups will be fearful of reporting abuse in the future.

“At one point in court, Ericka’s husband was the only non-white person there.

“The only people who came out of this with dignity was Ericka, the police and the witnesses.”

Ericka added: “The whole thing has distressed me so much, I’ve been in tears.

“I don’t feel like I will ever get over it and I can never forgive them.