Stoned

Surprising almost nobody at all, BNP leader Nick Griffin was re-admitted to hospital "under doctor's orders" yesterday, the eve of his appearance alongside Simon Darby and Tanya Lumby at the Royal Courts of Justice, where the Equalities and Human Rights Commission is seeking an order to either fine or gaol the three for failing to comply with an order made by the Central London County Court on March 12th requiring the removal of two "indirectly racist" clauses from the BNP constitution.

The case is due to be heard at 10.30 this morning (Monday), and supporters of the racist party have been instructed demonstrate outside the Royal Courts of Justice from 9.30.

Griffin is unlikely to attend, claiming to be in extreme pain due to kidney stones.

The proceedings were initially scheduled for early September, but were adjourned after Griffin arrived late, claiming to have taken three and a half hours to travel from the East End to the High Court (BNP supporters from all over the country were outside the court over an hour before the case went on), and because of Griffin's late submission of documents.

Tweeting that he had begun to feel "really bad stomach pains" about midday last Thursday, Griffin was admitted to hospital in the afternoon suffering from suspected kidney stones, and through his "fog of pain" tweeted that he wasn't sure "about [the] court case on Monday". By the next morning he was "Writing & dictating bulletins & final Cehr case appeal from hospital bed."

On Saturday the 6th Griffin was out of hospital, tweeting: "Will be fine for court on Monday, provided pesky stone stays where it is at present," adding, "Would be awkward to be in agony in witness box."

Griffin's detractors, knowing of his past record of claiming illness just before a court appearance, were less than impressed, especially as, while Saturday wore on, Griffin continued to publicly complain of his "sickening level of pain". He seemed to be complaining a little too loud and a little too often.

Whatever Griffin's level of pain, he was certainly in hospital yesterday, where a sombre Simon Darby paid him a visit, blogging later that the invalid was "feeling better".

Never one to miss an opportunity to squeeze his members, Nick's kidney stones were impressed into the party's dash for cash when another begging email masquerading as a "Chairman's Update" was fired off late yesterday afternoon. In it Griffin claims that the EHRC case against himself, Darby and Lumby is "most certainly going ahead" whether he appears or not, but ultimately that decision will rest with the judges, Lord Justice Moore-Brick and Mr Justice Ramsey.

The Commission For Equality And Human Rights v Griffin, if it goes ahead, is expected to end on Tuesday afternoon.