Scuffles greet BNP boss at court
Scuffles broke out when BNP leader Nick Griffin (pictured right) arrived at court to face race hate charges. Griffin's minders clashed with photographers outside Leeds Crown Court yesterday as Griffin, of Llanerfyl, Powys, made his way in.
Griffin's minders clashed with photographers outside Leeds Crown Court yesterday as Griffin, of Llanerfyl, Powys, made his way in.
The trial was adjourned until tomorrow after the jury was sworn in. Griffin, 46, is charged with one count of using words or behaviour intended to stir up racial hatred and an alternative count of using words or behaviour likely to stir up racial hatred.
The charges relate to a speech he made in Keighley, West Yorkshire, in 2004 which was filmed by an undercover BBC reporter.
BNP activist Mark Collett, aged 24, of Swithland Lane, Rothley, Leicestershire, faces four similar charges which relate to two speeches he made.
The trial was adjourned until tomorrow morning when the prosecution will open the case.
Judge Norman Jones QC warned the jury that the case involved "both politics and issues relating to criminal law".
He said: "You will hear, in the course of the evidence given, strong criticism and speeches on the Muslim religion and issues of racism, together with criticism of elements of present Government policy.
"Members of the jury, such criticism can sometimes raise conflicts in people's minds.
"It is important the jury who are selected to try this case try it as it is, that is the charges brought that the defendants have committed criminal acts," Mr Jones concluded.