EDL leader Stephen Lennon convicted of assault

The leader of the English Defence League (EDL) has been convicted of assault after headbutting a member of his group during a rally in Blackburn.

Stephen Lennon, 28, goaded his followers during a rally attended by 2,000 EDL members in April, Preston Magistrates' Court heard.

He verbally abused Alan McKee, 33, before attacking him.

Lennon who denied common assault, was found guilty of the charge. Sentencing was adjourned to 3 November.

The bench heard Mr Lennon launched a tirade against Mr McKee, calling him a "degenerate mug", before trouble broke out.

Mr McKnee was pulled from the crowd for his safety. But he later confronted Mr Lennon about his speech, the court was told.

Lennon, who was surrounded by his own security guards and EDL stewards, then stepped forward and headbutted Mr McKee.
Probation report

The EDL leader, of Luton, denied assault and said he had not targeted Mr McKee during his speech.

Lennon said the man he targeted was another man who he said was part of an EDL splinter group, the North East Infidels, intent on causing trouble.

The court heard from two police officers who told the court they were on hand when the incident happened and they clearly saw Lennon headbutt Mr McKee.

After a day-long trial, District Judge Peter Ward said that he believed the police officers and convicted Lennon of common assault.

The judge said he wanted a probation report on Lennon before passing sentence.

He said: "I don't think one can rule out a custodial sentence, but at the same time I'm keeping it open in light of the report and what is said to the court next time."

Sentencing was adjourned until 3 November when police will apply for a criminal (anti-social behaviour order) to prevent Lennon attending EDL rallies.

BBC News

Asbo for racist protest at world music festival

A protester with a far-right group hurled racist abuse at hundreds of people who had gathered for a world music festival.

Tony Thomsen wrapped an English flag around his head and shouted during the festival in Queens Gardens, city centre. He was part of an English Defence League (EDL) rally, a far-right group which opposes what it terms as "Muslim extremism".

Thomsen, 40, of Rosedale Avenue, east Hull, has now been given an antisocial behaviour order (Asbo) after being convicted of being drunk and disorderly at the event on June 25.

The world music festival had been organised as part of Hull Refugee Week, which aims to challenge negative stereotypes, and attracted crowds of up to 2,000. Ben Butler, project co-ordinator at the Asylum Seekers and Refugees Kingston Upon Hull (ARKH) group, said: "It was quite intimidating. The event was all about community cohesion and families and it was intimidating for the people who were present.

"What confuses me is the EDL claims to be a single-issue group, against Islamic fundamentalism. I can't understand why members would turn up at a family event celebrating world music that had no religious connections and start shouting racist abuse. I get the feeling the EDL focus on Islamic fundamentalism as a bit of a smokescreen for general hatred. Most of the bands were members of the international community living in Hull and there were some English bands who do world music. It was a really cross-cultural event."

PC Russell Moore, antisocial behaviour officer for Hull, said everyone had the right to peaceful demonstrations.

"But equally, everybody has the right to go about their business without being harangued, abused or insulted," he said. "He seems to think he can do that and it is totally unacceptable. We can't stop people demonstrating, but if they behave like this, getting drunk and racially abusing people, they will be dealt with."

Thomsen, who recently changed his name from Tony Handley, was convicted in 2003 of daubing racist abuse on a private property in Spring Bank, city centre.

Under the Asbo, which lasts for two years, Thomsen is banned from drinking alcohol in a public place and causing harassment, alarm or distress to others. If he breaches the order, he could be jailed for up to five years. Thomsen was also fined £100 and made to pay £250 court costs after being sentenced at Hull Magistrates' Court.

This is Hull and East Riding

Former BNP candidate is given an ASBO

Pelsall residents have praised police, housing officers and councillors who helped evict and obtain an Antisocial Behaviour Order against a BNP candidate and his family who made their lives hell.

But residents of Avon Crescent are still so fearful they asked the Advertiser not to print their names.Dominic Bugler, who stood in May's council elections on a platform of law and order, was given the ASBO last month after neighbours complained of 18 months of abuse at his family's hands. The conditions of the ASBO mean Bugler, his wife and two children, have been banned from entering the Heath End area of Pelsall, the Walsall Road and Norton Lane, plus Pelsall village and its High Street.

One Avon Crescent resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said residents wanted to thank everyone who helped evict the family and obtain the ASBO.

"They have provided us with their utmost assistance and dedication and we cannot thank them enough," she said.

PC Andrew Harman said the Bugler's landlord - Walsall Housing Group - the police and local councillors had worked together after a series of complaints from residents.

"There had been ongoing problems with Mr Bugler which included abuse, littering, drinking and fighting, and the problems had existed for some considerable time," he said. "Along with Walsall Housing Group we collected evidence and statements which allowed us to obtain the ASBO."

Pelsall councillor Gary Perry said the order had been granted because of the evidence and statements given by residents.

He added: "It was ironic that during the May elections he put out leaflets saying he was opposed to antisocial behaviour and in favour of law and order.

A spokesperson for Walsall Housing Group said Bugler had been evicted for non-payment of rent.

Bugler was unavailable for comment but BNP regional organiser Simon Darby said Bugler's actions did not reflect on the party.

"He certainly has personal problems in his life but they are not part of the BNP," he said. "I think it is fair to say that, by mutual agreement, he won't be standing as a candidate again."

Walsall Advertiser