BNP circus rolls into Colwyn Bay for court hearing

The bizarre spectacle of BNP leader Nick Griffin flanked by an entourage of party activists arrived in a tiny court room in North Wales yesterday.

The far-right leader claimed he was providing “moral support” for Llysfaen community councillor Patrick Pattison, amid attempts to slap an injunction on him at Colwyn Bay County Court.

Conwy council wants an order banning Mr Pattison from “behaving in a threatening, abusive or insulting way towards officers and members”. It follows allegations of “unacceptable” behaviour by the 55-year-old former Independent councillor, who caused outrage when he defected to the BNP earlier this year.

Mr Griffin, national chairman of the British National Party, squeezed into the tiny courtroom with four other party members.

Clearly taken aback by their presence, deputy district judge Peter Anderson asked why they were there, and was told by Cllr Pattison: “People are trying to blacken my character and these people have come to offer moral support.”

“That’s fine,” replied the judge: “So long as they are not trying to put pressure on anyone.”

Council solicitor Peter Brown then told the court he would be calling 11 witnesses to give evidence of Mr Pattison’s unacceptable behaviour which led to the injunction being sought. Mr Pattison said he would have only a couple of character witnesses but wished to submit some references without the individuals’ identity being made public.

The 10 minute hearing ended with the judge deciding Colwyn Bay court was unsuitable for the full hearing, due to the unusual interest in it. The case was adjourned until January when it will be heard by in Rhyl.

Outside the court Mr Griffin said he had attended because he felt the case should be adjourned and he wanted to support a member of the party.

“The council in Burnley is trying the same trick against one of our councillors there, and the allegations are groundless. They are up against the European Convention on Human Rights,” he said.

Mr Pattison said his defence case was not yet ready. Mr Pattison, 55, a motor mechanic, of Berth-y-Glyd, Llysfaen, was also accompanied by his girlfriend Wendy Lewis. She read a letter from one acquaintance of mixed race who praised his community spirit and refuted the claim that Mr Pattison was a racist.

Daily Post