BNP man faces eviction

A former BNP candidate is facing the boot from his home following his conviction for racially abusing his German next-door neighbour.

Roy West, 44, directed a torrent of foul-mouthed abuse at Bernd Kugow during the dispute at his home in Glenmore Grove, Dukinfield, in a row over a Union Jack flag. West had tried to attach it to Mr Kugow's shed - and when Mr Kugow objected, West flew into a rage.

West called his neighbour a 'Kraut', swore and and told him go back to 'Krautland'. West, who already had three St George's flags and a Cornish flag in his back garden, also told his neighbour to 'remember Dunkirk'. Unemployed West later made a tearful apology when he went to Mr Kugow's house with a box of chocolates and a handwritten letter.

West, who always denied the allegation, changed his plea at Tameside magistrates' court last month and admitted racial harassment. He was fined £125 and ordered to pay £200 costs and a £15 victim's surcharge.

Landlord New Charter is starting legal proceedings to evict West and his partner Pauline Branson, 48. The housing association said West breached the tenancy agreement after being convicted for causing 'nuisance and annoyance' to his neighbour.

Group chief executive Ian Munro said: "Hate crimes are fortunately rare in our communities. But this was 'wholly unacceptable, vile, offensive and distasteful' - words the judge used in his sentencing. West has used the internet since his conviction to doubt the credibility of his victims and the credibility of the judicial system. We have warned him these actions may constitute harassment and will take injunctive action if these continue."

West and Ms Branson moved to the property in August 2006 after complaining of harassment at their previous home in Hyde, where windows were smashed and he was verbally abused.

New Charter has served a possession notice on tenant Ms Branson. Legal proceedings are due to start on Monday.

West stood as a BNP candidate in last May's local elections in Dukinfield, polling 734 votes and finishing second. After his arrest in October, the BNP leadership complained that he was the victim of a 'malicious prosecution' and tried to organise a demonstration to protest against the arrest. But the protest was called off when West said he wanted the case to remain a private matter.

Manchester Evening News