Police investigating offences committed during an English Defence League demonstrations in Halifax have arrested a 50-year-old man. The suspect, from Bolton, has since been bailed, pending further inquiries.
The arrest was made after officers trawled through hours of CCTV footage from earlier this year when the EDL protested in the town.
Police have estimated that there were 450 EDL supporters, with 70 counter-demonstrators also taking place in the area. As a result of their work, nine men were identified as wanted over public order offences, with officers believing they could be living in West and South Yorkshire, the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and Merseyside.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Dave Pervin, of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “Like any large-scale operation it is not always possible to tackle every single incident at the time and this is where our follow-up enquiries begin.”
So far six offenders have been dealt with, either through court appearances or with fixed penalties.
Yorkshire Post
Showing posts with label Halifax. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Halifax. Show all posts
December 04, 2011
November 25, 2011
Halifax EDL rally 'wanted men' CCTV released by police
The police said any criminal offences would be robustly dealt with
CCTV images have been released of 10 men police want to speak to over public order offences which took place in West Yorkshire earlier this year.Police are investigating disorder during an English Defence League (EDL) demonstration in Halifax on 9 July. So far six people have been arrested for public offences related to the disturbance. West Yorkshire Police are urging anyone who recognises the men or has information to contact the police.
Det Supt Dave Pervin from West Yorkshire Police's homicide and major inquiry team said: "Like any large scale operation it is not always possible to tackle every single incident at the time and this is where our follow up inquiries begin. Subsequent inquiries have revealed that some individuals were seen to be committing offences and were captured on CCTV. Someone must know who they are and where they live and we ask them to ring us so this investigation can begin to draw to a close."
Police said the 10 men they want to trace could be living in the Midlands and the north of England. Police estimated that about 450 people were on the EDL march, with about 70 taking part in a counter-protest by Unite Against Fascism.
BBC
Thanks to Zaahid for the heads-up
September 01, 2011
Mum of three gets jail for glass attack on pub’s landlord
A MUM-OF-THREE broke down in tears as she was jailed for nine months for glassing a pub landlord.
John Higginson suffered a two-centimetre gash to his forehead when 39-year-old Tracy Manning hurled a beer glass in his face at The Upper George in Crown Street, Halifax.
Bradford Crown Court heard that the landlord had asked her to leave the pub after she and her friends drunkenly chanted support for the BNP and EDL.
Manning was being escorted off the premises by Mr Higginson when she grabbed the glass and threw it at him.
Prosecutor Bashir Ahmed said the landlord followed Manning outside and as he tried to detain her she punched him and poked her thumb into his left eye.
When police arrived at the pub, Manning, of Grisedale Close, Pellon, said: “Yeah, I did it. I’m sorry.”
The court heard Mr Higginson was left with a scar and has suffered sleeplessness and anxiety since the incident in April.
Manning, who has previous convictions for assault, battery and resisting the police, admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm,
Her barrister, Paul Fleming, said the offence had been a thoughtless, irresponsible, knee-jerk reaction in drink.
She had stopped drinking in the last four months, he said.
Judge Jonathan Rose said it was an extremely serious offence and told Manning she had been involved in violence too many times.
“You caused serious injury to this man,” he told her.
“He was in no way the author of his own misfortune. This was your fault and your fault alone.”
As well as jailing her, Judge Rose also banned Manning from entering the pub for the next two years.
He said licensees needed to know the courts would protect them when they were victims of violence.
Halifax Courier
John Higginson suffered a two-centimetre gash to his forehead when 39-year-old Tracy Manning hurled a beer glass in his face at The Upper George in Crown Street, Halifax.
Bradford Crown Court heard that the landlord had asked her to leave the pub after she and her friends drunkenly chanted support for the BNP and EDL.
Manning was being escorted off the premises by Mr Higginson when she grabbed the glass and threw it at him.
Prosecutor Bashir Ahmed said the landlord followed Manning outside and as he tried to detain her she punched him and poked her thumb into his left eye.
When police arrived at the pub, Manning, of Grisedale Close, Pellon, said: “Yeah, I did it. I’m sorry.”
The court heard Mr Higginson was left with a scar and has suffered sleeplessness and anxiety since the incident in April.
Manning, who has previous convictions for assault, battery and resisting the police, admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm,
Her barrister, Paul Fleming, said the offence had been a thoughtless, irresponsible, knee-jerk reaction in drink.
She had stopped drinking in the last four months, he said.
Judge Jonathan Rose said it was an extremely serious offence and told Manning she had been involved in violence too many times.
“You caused serious injury to this man,” he told her.
“He was in no way the author of his own misfortune. This was your fault and your fault alone.”
As well as jailing her, Judge Rose also banned Manning from entering the pub for the next two years.
He said licensees needed to know the courts would protect them when they were victims of violence.
Halifax Courier
Labels:
BNP,
EDL,
Halifax,
Tracy Manning,
violence
August 19, 2011
‘We’ll burn your mosques’: Taunts of hate by an EDL supporter
A member of a far-right group threatened to burn down mosques during a drunken rant in Halifax town centre, a court heard.
Andrew Ossitt, 40, from Newquay, came to Halifax on April 2, along with around 60 other English Defence League protesters. He was part of a group who came into town after a demonstration in Blackburn. They congregated outside the Courtyard pub, Wards End, Halifax.
Another man, Dennis Farrell, 26, of High Lees Road, Halifax, also appeared at Calderdale Magistrates’ Court. He will face trial on November 3 after denying two charges of using threatening words and racially or religiously aggreviated harassment.
Scores of police went to the pub at 6pm and marched the group back to the train station.
Vanessa Schofield, prosecuting, said: “Officers’ attention was drawn to Andrew Ossitt. He was walking along, slightly behind the group. He raised both arms in the air and shouted, ‘These are our streets, Muslims off the streets,’.
Ossitt admitted using threatening words to cause harassment alarm or distress and a second charge of religiously aggravated harassment and was fined £100. Mohammed Farooq, representing Ossitt, told the court although he joined in with chanting, he was not an instigator.
He said: “At no point was it his intention to be part of any demonstration outside the pub. A few members began chanting, a few more joined in. Due to him being in drink at the time he began to chant ‘You burn the poppies, and we will burn the mosques,’. Andrew Ossitt says at the time of making these remarks he did not feel he was going to cause anyone any alarm, harassment or distress. With hindsight he said had there been members of the Muslim community there, they would have done.”
His solicitor said Ossitt felt “aggrieved” at being prosecuted. “He has been singled out from that demonstration and used as a scapegoat here in court. He has said there should be 60 or so EDL stood next to him,” said Mr Farooq
He said Ossitt has not attended any English Defence League meetings since April.
As well as the £100 fine, chairwoman Anthea Atkinson told Ossitt to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
“Our aim is to punish you, which we believe this will do. If this offence had not been religiously aggreviated, you would have paid £30 but it has been increased to reflect the religious aggreviation,” she said.
Halifax Courier
Andrew Ossitt, 40, from Newquay, came to Halifax on April 2, along with around 60 other English Defence League protesters. He was part of a group who came into town after a demonstration in Blackburn. They congregated outside the Courtyard pub, Wards End, Halifax.
Another man, Dennis Farrell, 26, of High Lees Road, Halifax, also appeared at Calderdale Magistrates’ Court. He will face trial on November 3 after denying two charges of using threatening words and racially or religiously aggreviated harassment.
Scores of police went to the pub at 6pm and marched the group back to the train station.
Vanessa Schofield, prosecuting, said: “Officers’ attention was drawn to Andrew Ossitt. He was walking along, slightly behind the group. He raised both arms in the air and shouted, ‘These are our streets, Muslims off the streets,’.
Ossitt admitted using threatening words to cause harassment alarm or distress and a second charge of religiously aggravated harassment and was fined £100. Mohammed Farooq, representing Ossitt, told the court although he joined in with chanting, he was not an instigator.
He said: “At no point was it his intention to be part of any demonstration outside the pub. A few members began chanting, a few more joined in. Due to him being in drink at the time he began to chant ‘You burn the poppies, and we will burn the mosques,’. Andrew Ossitt says at the time of making these remarks he did not feel he was going to cause anyone any alarm, harassment or distress. With hindsight he said had there been members of the Muslim community there, they would have done.”
His solicitor said Ossitt felt “aggrieved” at being prosecuted. “He has been singled out from that demonstration and used as a scapegoat here in court. He has said there should be 60 or so EDL stood next to him,” said Mr Farooq
He said Ossitt has not attended any English Defence League meetings since April.
As well as the £100 fine, chairwoman Anthea Atkinson told Ossitt to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
“Our aim is to punish you, which we believe this will do. If this offence had not been religiously aggreviated, you would have paid £30 but it has been increased to reflect the religious aggreviation,” she said.
Halifax Courier
Labels:
anti-mosque,
EDL,
English Defence League,
far-right,
Halifax
July 09, 2011
EDL demo: Five people arrested and police officer injured
EDL scumbag at the Eureka Children's Museum withsmuggled-in pint and bag of cocaine. Picture courtesy of Hope not hate.
Around 450 members of the far-right group came to the town, with coaches arriving from the Midlands and other parts of the country. Some clashed with a counter demonstration in King Cross but were marched to the designated protest site at Eureka car park. There was also some who arrived in Sowerby Bridge and marched from there into Halifax.
Police had to don riot gear when the protesters broke their way out of the car park and onto the childrens museum site. The protesters were herded back onto coaches and trains and out of Halifax by around 5pm.
Five people have been arrested on suspicion of public order offences. A 21-year-old has also been arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon. A police officer was injured. He suffered a broken collar bone.
Around 70 people were at the counter demonstration in King Cross.
Halifax Courier
Thanks to NewsHound for the heads-up on the pic
Enormous Disruption Looming: Halifax counts cost of EDL protest
Traders across Halifax were today counting the cost of the English Defence League’s decision to hold another demo in town - today. Scores of pubs and other businesses will be shutting while the far-right group staged its protest.
Shops and pubs say they will lose business but want to avoid the disorder seen last time the EDL came to Halifax. Megan Forest, from The Three Pigeons, South Parade, said they planned to shut until 4pm. “We don’t want the trouble.”
Others closing include The Ring O’Bells, which will stay shut until the protesters have left. The Barum Top will be closed until 6pm. The Salvation will keep its doors shut till 5pm and the Plummet Line will also be closed till 5. Chris Lord, of Chris Lord Photography, said he was bound to lose business today because people will not be passing his office on Square Road. “We’re all trying hard to earn a living,” he said.
The EDL decision to come to Halifax will also mean Eureka, one of Halifax’s busiest tourist attractions, will shut for the day.
Police and Calderdale Council have designated the museum car park as the least disruptive spot for the protest. Police are also be expected to run a up a huge bill manning the demonstration. The force cannot say yet how much it will cost them but a demonstration in Bradford last summer cost the force £650,000.
MP for Halifax Linda Riordan said: “This has caused unnecessary disruption to people, businesses, and shopkeepers as well as affecting the local economy. It is outrageous that local businesses have been put in a position where they have to close for the day. I am confident the police will handle the situation effectively. But my message to the EDL is for them to go away and don’t come back to Halifax. I am sure the vast majority of people in this town, who are tolerant, respectful and decent, would agree with me.”
A joint statement from a group of Halifax organisations and individuals including Calderdale Council’s political leaders, Mrs Riordan, Halifax Minster, Calderdale College and Halifax Festival said: “The planned EDL protest is unwanted and damaging to everyone who lives, works and cares for Halifax and Calderdale. We support the right to peaceful protest but there is no clear reason why this group want to protest in Halifax,and the event will only bring tension, discord and anxiety. We have seen the impact of previous disruptive and criminal behaviour by supporters of this group in Halifax in recent months followed by the arrests of 16 people in April.
“Today is the first day of Halifax Festival. Eureka would be marking their 19th birthday in Halifax, but is now closed. It should be a day for local people to enjoy, a day for us to welcome visitors to our town, and a welcome boost for local businesses in difficult times. Instead, this protest – which will cost the police, council and partners many thousands of pounds – will disrupt our town and have a damaging impact on our businesses on the day itself and potentially afterwards.
“Fortunately, Halifax is a resilient place, with a clear determination to respond to the challenges of the economic recession. We are a place where people live side by side, with common values based upon mutual respect, tolerance and unity. The actions of the EDL in choosing to demonstrate in Halifax today show they care nothing for the wellbeing of anyone who lives, works in or cares about Halifax. They are not welcome in our town. It is time that they got this message.”
The protest clashes with the launch of Halifax Festival, but organisers say they are determined it will go ahead. A counter-EDL protest was being held today in King Cross Road, around noon.
Halifax Courier
Shops and pubs say they will lose business but want to avoid the disorder seen last time the EDL came to Halifax. Megan Forest, from The Three Pigeons, South Parade, said they planned to shut until 4pm. “We don’t want the trouble.”
Others closing include The Ring O’Bells, which will stay shut until the protesters have left. The Barum Top will be closed until 6pm. The Salvation will keep its doors shut till 5pm and the Plummet Line will also be closed till 5. Chris Lord, of Chris Lord Photography, said he was bound to lose business today because people will not be passing his office on Square Road. “We’re all trying hard to earn a living,” he said.
The EDL decision to come to Halifax will also mean Eureka, one of Halifax’s busiest tourist attractions, will shut for the day.
Police and Calderdale Council have designated the museum car park as the least disruptive spot for the protest. Police are also be expected to run a up a huge bill manning the demonstration. The force cannot say yet how much it will cost them but a demonstration in Bradford last summer cost the force £650,000.
MP for Halifax Linda Riordan said: “This has caused unnecessary disruption to people, businesses, and shopkeepers as well as affecting the local economy. It is outrageous that local businesses have been put in a position where they have to close for the day. I am confident the police will handle the situation effectively. But my message to the EDL is for them to go away and don’t come back to Halifax. I am sure the vast majority of people in this town, who are tolerant, respectful and decent, would agree with me.”
A joint statement from a group of Halifax organisations and individuals including Calderdale Council’s political leaders, Mrs Riordan, Halifax Minster, Calderdale College and Halifax Festival said: “The planned EDL protest is unwanted and damaging to everyone who lives, works and cares for Halifax and Calderdale. We support the right to peaceful protest but there is no clear reason why this group want to protest in Halifax,and the event will only bring tension, discord and anxiety. We have seen the impact of previous disruptive and criminal behaviour by supporters of this group in Halifax in recent months followed by the arrests of 16 people in April.
“Today is the first day of Halifax Festival. Eureka would be marking their 19th birthday in Halifax, but is now closed. It should be a day for local people to enjoy, a day for us to welcome visitors to our town, and a welcome boost for local businesses in difficult times. Instead, this protest – which will cost the police, council and partners many thousands of pounds – will disrupt our town and have a damaging impact on our businesses on the day itself and potentially afterwards.
“Fortunately, Halifax is a resilient place, with a clear determination to respond to the challenges of the economic recession. We are a place where people live side by side, with common values based upon mutual respect, tolerance and unity. The actions of the EDL in choosing to demonstrate in Halifax today show they care nothing for the wellbeing of anyone who lives, works in or cares about Halifax. They are not welcome in our town. It is time that they got this message.”
The protest clashes with the launch of Halifax Festival, but organisers say they are determined it will go ahead. A counter-EDL protest was being held today in King Cross Road, around noon.
Halifax Courier
Labels:
EDL,
English Defence League,
Halifax,
Unite Against Fascism
June 26, 2011
Brought down...man who yelled abuse at EDL demo
Three men arrested after the English Defence League protests in Halifax have appeared in court.
Mark Martin, 23, of Four Gates End, Hebden Bridge, admitted using threatening words or behaviour during the demo on April 16.
Prosecutor Paul Ramsey said: “There were 200 members of the EDL congregated in Halifax to take part in a demonstration. Police had reason to arrest two men but at the time Martin was also present. He took exception to the arrest.”
He shouted abuse at the officer.
“It was said in the middle of Halifax on a busy Saturday morning and members of the public were present,” said Mr Ramsey. “He tried to run away from the police but he was rugby tackled to the ground,” he said.
Martin was given a 12-month community order. He was told to pay £85 costs.
Also appearing at Calderdale Magistrates’ Court were Richard McTear, 29, of Brooksbank Gardens, Elland, and Mark Swidrak, 32, from Keighley. McTear pleaded not guilty to failing to follow the instructions of a police officer issued when he was in Princess Street, Halifax. Swidrak also pleaded not guilty to two charges. He denied using abusive, threatening or insulting words at Cow Green, Halifax. Both also denied obstructing police officers in their duty.
They were both given conditional bail until their next hearing on July 9. Their joint trial was listed for September 5.
Halifax Courier
Mark Martin, 23, of Four Gates End, Hebden Bridge, admitted using threatening words or behaviour during the demo on April 16.
Prosecutor Paul Ramsey said: “There were 200 members of the EDL congregated in Halifax to take part in a demonstration. Police had reason to arrest two men but at the time Martin was also present. He took exception to the arrest.”
He shouted abuse at the officer.
“It was said in the middle of Halifax on a busy Saturday morning and members of the public were present,” said Mr Ramsey. “He tried to run away from the police but he was rugby tackled to the ground,” he said.
Martin was given a 12-month community order. He was told to pay £85 costs.
Also appearing at Calderdale Magistrates’ Court were Richard McTear, 29, of Brooksbank Gardens, Elland, and Mark Swidrak, 32, from Keighley. McTear pleaded not guilty to failing to follow the instructions of a police officer issued when he was in Princess Street, Halifax. Swidrak also pleaded not guilty to two charges. He denied using abusive, threatening or insulting words at Cow Green, Halifax. Both also denied obstructing police officers in their duty.
They were both given conditional bail until their next hearing on July 9. Their joint trial was listed for September 5.
Halifax Courier
June 18, 2011
EDL thug abused old men
An English Defence League member who threatened two elderly asian men has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
Darren Buck, 50, was involved in the demonstration with the far-right group in Halifax town centre on April 16. Calderdale Magistrates Court heard how around 200 EDL members turned out for the demonstration which they claimed was in protest at two of their number being attacked the week before.
At around 2.30pm police reported that a large gathering of protestors were congregating outside The Plummet Line pub, Bull Close Lane, Halifax, and were trying to break through the police line. It was at this time that officers saw Buck, a former sheet metal worker, acting aggressively towards the two elderly asian men. Officers said he was seen trying to punch the two men but he missed and was consequently arrested.
Buck was interviewed by police and admitted the offence saying he was demonstrating to show solidarity with his fellow members. He also told them he had been an EDL member for about a year but didn’t have any racist beliefs.
Buck pleaded guilty to a charge of using insulting or abusive language with the threat of violence.
Judith Poole, chair of the magistrates, said: “We feel this offence is so serious that only custody is appropriate. You were part of a group of 200 people, over 200 police officers had to be in attendance and it was a Saturday afternoon with a lot of people around who must have been really frightened.”
Buck, from Wombwell, Barnsley, was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison which was suspended for 12 months. He will be subject to a curfew on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 9pm for 20 weeks and must pay costs of £85.
Halifax Courier
Darren Buck, 50, was involved in the demonstration with the far-right group in Halifax town centre on April 16. Calderdale Magistrates Court heard how around 200 EDL members turned out for the demonstration which they claimed was in protest at two of their number being attacked the week before.
At around 2.30pm police reported that a large gathering of protestors were congregating outside The Plummet Line pub, Bull Close Lane, Halifax, and were trying to break through the police line. It was at this time that officers saw Buck, a former sheet metal worker, acting aggressively towards the two elderly asian men. Officers said he was seen trying to punch the two men but he missed and was consequently arrested.
Buck was interviewed by police and admitted the offence saying he was demonstrating to show solidarity with his fellow members. He also told them he had been an EDL member for about a year but didn’t have any racist beliefs.
Buck pleaded guilty to a charge of using insulting or abusive language with the threat of violence.
Judith Poole, chair of the magistrates, said: “We feel this offence is so serious that only custody is appropriate. You were part of a group of 200 people, over 200 police officers had to be in attendance and it was a Saturday afternoon with a lot of people around who must have been really frightened.”
Buck, from Wombwell, Barnsley, was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison which was suspended for 12 months. He will be subject to a curfew on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 9pm for 20 weeks and must pay costs of £85.
Halifax Courier
June 16, 2011
Racist chants by EDL in pub
The first two English Defence League members charged after a town-centre demo have appeared in court.
Peter Craven, 28 and Michael Riley 23, both from Hull, each admitted stealing a pool ball and possessing an offensive weapon. The men admitted they were in Halifax for the EDL protest that engulfed the town centre on April 16.
They were part of a 16-man group who left the main organisation and moved to the Beehive and Cross Keys pub in King Cross Street near Park ward – an area police were trying to shield from EDL members. In the pub, EDL members chanted racist songs, snapped pool cues and hunted through waste bins for bottles. Police arrested the men outside the pub shortly after they left.
They will be sentenced at Bradford Crown Court July 19.
Halifax Courier
Thanks to Abu for the heads-up
Peter Craven, 28 and Michael Riley 23, both from Hull, each admitted stealing a pool ball and possessing an offensive weapon. The men admitted they were in Halifax for the EDL protest that engulfed the town centre on April 16.
They were part of a 16-man group who left the main organisation and moved to the Beehive and Cross Keys pub in King Cross Street near Park ward – an area police were trying to shield from EDL members. In the pub, EDL members chanted racist songs, snapped pool cues and hunted through waste bins for bottles. Police arrested the men outside the pub shortly after they left.
They will be sentenced at Bradford Crown Court July 19.
Halifax Courier
Thanks to Abu for the heads-up
Labels:
EDL,
English Defence League,
Halifax,
racist chanting
April 17, 2011
Arrests follow Halifax opposing protests
Fourteen people have been arrested following two rival demonstrations in a West Yorkshire town centre.
Officers said the protests in Halifax by the English Defence League (EDL) and the Muslim Defence League mostly passed peacefully with minimal disruption. Police said the arrests were made for minor public order offences.
About 150 people gathered in the Bull Green area for the EDL protest while about 50 took part in the other demonstration in Park Ward. West Yorkshire Police said about 200 officers were deployed to the events.
A spokesman said that during the EDL demonstration one man was taken ill and refused to be taken to hospital by ambulance. It was thought he had recovered and left the area without giving any details to officers.
Acting Supt Martin Lister said: "Our officers enjoyed a tremendous response to today's operation from the local public which ensured that today's demonstrations could both pass peacefully without disorder, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank residents and businesses of Halifax for this."
BBC
Thanks to NewsHound and others for the heads-up
Officers said the protests in Halifax by the English Defence League (EDL) and the Muslim Defence League mostly passed peacefully with minimal disruption. Police said the arrests were made for minor public order offences.
About 150 people gathered in the Bull Green area for the EDL protest while about 50 took part in the other demonstration in Park Ward. West Yorkshire Police said about 200 officers were deployed to the events.
A spokesman said that during the EDL demonstration one man was taken ill and refused to be taken to hospital by ambulance. It was thought he had recovered and left the area without giving any details to officers.
Acting Supt Martin Lister said: "Our officers enjoyed a tremendous response to today's operation from the local public which ensured that today's demonstrations could both pass peacefully without disorder, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank residents and businesses of Halifax for this."
BBC
Thanks to NewsHound and others for the heads-up
Labels:
EDL,
English Defence League,
Halifax,
Muslim Defence League
April 05, 2011
Far-right mob banished from town centre
Far-right demonstrators were marched out of Halifax by police after racist abuse was shouted at town-centre traders.
Scores of officers and dog handlers were deployed to Wards End and Horton Street on Saturday at around 5pm to deal with a mob of English Defence League (EDL) supporters on their way back from a rally in Blackburn. Protestors from factions in Halifax, Hull, Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Leeds gathered at The Courtyard pub on Wards End, hanging an EDL flag outside.
A worker at the nearby Chicken Grill House takeaway said three men had shouted racist abuse and staff at some shops were so worried they closed up. Assistants at Hot 4 U takeaway on Wards End said a fight started in the street and eight men had tried to get into their shop but police had marched them away.
Staff at the Courtyard, which was also busy with Halifax Town supporters, said the EDL demonstrators arrived just before the football fans. Most of them congregated outside and when police arrived, officers asked pub staff to ask their customers to stay inside.
“The police were trying to contain the EDL supporters,” said one worker. “It all kicked off outside. All I could see from the bar was a lot of them running down Southgate. The police thanked us afterwards for helping and I thanked them, they were really good.”
One man was arrested, it is believed on suspicion of a racially aggravated public disorder offence.
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said; “A group of EDL supporters spontaneously arrived in Halifax town centre. There was no indication of any disorder before this. They were dealt with positively by police and escorted onto trains out of the area. We would like to thank the community for their assistance. We are thankful that people showed restraint and let the police deal with the situation.”
An estimated 2,000 EDL supporters had earlier gathered in Blackburn while a short distance away, a separate counter-demonstration by around 500 people was held by Unite Against Fascism (UAF). Hundreds of police, some drafted in from as far away as Cumbria, along with mounted officers and steel barriers, kept the two sides apart.
There were some skirmishes amongst supporters at the EDL rally, with one man knocked unconscious from a punch, and coins and a pint glass thrown.
Halifax Courier
Thanks to NewsHound for the heads-up
Scores of officers and dog handlers were deployed to Wards End and Horton Street on Saturday at around 5pm to deal with a mob of English Defence League (EDL) supporters on their way back from a rally in Blackburn. Protestors from factions in Halifax, Hull, Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Leeds gathered at The Courtyard pub on Wards End, hanging an EDL flag outside.
A worker at the nearby Chicken Grill House takeaway said three men had shouted racist abuse and staff at some shops were so worried they closed up. Assistants at Hot 4 U takeaway on Wards End said a fight started in the street and eight men had tried to get into their shop but police had marched them away.
Staff at the Courtyard, which was also busy with Halifax Town supporters, said the EDL demonstrators arrived just before the football fans. Most of them congregated outside and when police arrived, officers asked pub staff to ask their customers to stay inside.
“The police were trying to contain the EDL supporters,” said one worker. “It all kicked off outside. All I could see from the bar was a lot of them running down Southgate. The police thanked us afterwards for helping and I thanked them, they were really good.”
One man was arrested, it is believed on suspicion of a racially aggravated public disorder offence.
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said; “A group of EDL supporters spontaneously arrived in Halifax town centre. There was no indication of any disorder before this. They were dealt with positively by police and escorted onto trains out of the area. We would like to thank the community for their assistance. We are thankful that people showed restraint and let the police deal with the situation.”
An estimated 2,000 EDL supporters had earlier gathered in Blackburn while a short distance away, a separate counter-demonstration by around 500 people was held by Unite Against Fascism (UAF). Hundreds of police, some drafted in from as far away as Cumbria, along with mounted officers and steel barriers, kept the two sides apart.
There were some skirmishes amongst supporters at the EDL rally, with one man knocked unconscious from a punch, and coins and a pint glass thrown.
Halifax Courier
Thanks to NewsHound for the heads-up
June 16, 2007
Hate-mail BNP's Wainwright's new shop
A champion pie-making butchers in Halifax has been sold – and it's been bought by a former BNP candidate who sent hate mail to Calderdale's first Asian councillor.
Brian Wainwright – who admitted sending offensive and threatening posters to Coun Mohammed Najib, to a Halifax mosque and to an anti-fascism campaigner – has bought J and P Cryer butchers in Ovenden.
Owners Jim and Pat Cryer have retired after 40 years – and they have passed on their secret pork-pie recipe to Mr Wainwright and his wife, Lorraine. For 30 years Jim and Pat have been making the pork pies and each morning they perfect their pastry and prime the meat before adding their own, very secret, ingredient.
It is the same ingredient that helped them secure fourth place at last year's unofficial world pork-pie championships at the Old Bridge Inn, Ripponden, making them the best pork pie-makers in Calderdale.
Jim took over the business from his father in 1966, transforming it into the award-winning establishment it has now become. He said: "When my dad worked there we just sold meat and sausages and I wanted to take the business further."
By the time Pat started working there the pies were a big success. She said: "It is the reputation of the pies that brings people back. Customers travel from Elland, Brighouse, Skipton and further afield."
The couple have two daughters, Jayne Greenwood, 40, and Sally Patefield, 38, and four grandchildren. They will spend their retirement globetrotting and visiting friends across the country.
The hate-mail charges against Mr Wainwright were later dropped because he was not charged within the six-month time limit for summary offences.
Mrs Cryer said: "We knew Brian had some sort of past with the BNP but we were not sure what it was about. We did not see how it would affect him taking over the business. As far as we are concerned it is something that is in his past."
Mr Wainwright would not comment when asked if he thought his court case would affect his trade.
Halifax Evening Courier
Brian Wainwright – who admitted sending offensive and threatening posters to Coun Mohammed Najib, to a Halifax mosque and to an anti-fascism campaigner – has bought J and P Cryer butchers in Ovenden.
Owners Jim and Pat Cryer have retired after 40 years – and they have passed on their secret pork-pie recipe to Mr Wainwright and his wife, Lorraine. For 30 years Jim and Pat have been making the pork pies and each morning they perfect their pastry and prime the meat before adding their own, very secret, ingredient.
It is the same ingredient that helped them secure fourth place at last year's unofficial world pork-pie championships at the Old Bridge Inn, Ripponden, making them the best pork pie-makers in Calderdale.
Jim took over the business from his father in 1966, transforming it into the award-winning establishment it has now become. He said: "When my dad worked there we just sold meat and sausages and I wanted to take the business further."
By the time Pat started working there the pies were a big success. She said: "It is the reputation of the pies that brings people back. Customers travel from Elland, Brighouse, Skipton and further afield."
The couple have two daughters, Jayne Greenwood, 40, and Sally Patefield, 38, and four grandchildren. They will spend their retirement globetrotting and visiting friends across the country.
The hate-mail charges against Mr Wainwright were later dropped because he was not charged within the six-month time limit for summary offences.
Mrs Cryer said: "We knew Brian had some sort of past with the BNP but we were not sure what it was about. We did not see how it would affect him taking over the business. As far as we are concerned it is something that is in his past."
Mr Wainwright would not comment when asked if he thought his court case would affect his trade.
Halifax Evening Courier
Labels:
anti-fascist,
Asian,
Brian Wainwright,
Halifax,
hate mail,
Mohammed Najib,
mosque
March 22, 2007
MP Linda lobbies for change in law
Halifax MP Linda Riordan will lobby the Government for a change in the law after a BNP activist who sent racist hate-mail escaped punishment.
The Labour MP will write to Gerry Sutcliffe, Under-Secretary for Justice, to ask him to amend the time limit within which someone must be charged for sending malicious communication. Mrs Riordan decided on the action after she met the West Yorkshire Crown Prosecution Service to discuss the blunder that allowed Brian Wainwright's case to be dismissed.
In January Mr Wainwright, 38, of Lee Mount Road, Halifax, admitted sending threatening and offensive posters to Calderdale's first Asian councillor Mohammed Najib, anti-fascist campaigner Paul Sutcliffe and a Halifax mosque. But last month he walked free from Calderdale Magistrates' Court because he was not charged within the six-month time limit for summary offences.
Fingerprints and DNA did not link Mr Wainwright to the crime until seven months after he sent the last letter.
CPS head Neil Franklin admitted the mistake, which was not spotted until the eleventh hour when magistrates were considering sentence, but blamed "a gap in the law", which he said the Government should move to plug. Mrs Riordan will ask for the clock to start running after evidence linking a suspect to the crime comes to light, instead of from when the offence is reported. This is the case with some summary offences such as taking a vehicle without consent.
She said: "Justice has not been done. Mr Wainwright admitted sending the letters. It is scandalous he was not prosecuted," Mrs Riordan said.
Mr Wainwright, who stood for election for Calderdale Council and Parliament, sent the posters between February and April 2005. They featured skulls, crossbones, swastikas and threats to spill Muslim blood and incite a race war.
Halifax Evening Courier
The Labour MP will write to Gerry Sutcliffe, Under-Secretary for Justice, to ask him to amend the time limit within which someone must be charged for sending malicious communication. Mrs Riordan decided on the action after she met the West Yorkshire Crown Prosecution Service to discuss the blunder that allowed Brian Wainwright's case to be dismissed.
In January Mr Wainwright, 38, of Lee Mount Road, Halifax, admitted sending threatening and offensive posters to Calderdale's first Asian councillor Mohammed Najib, anti-fascist campaigner Paul Sutcliffe and a Halifax mosque. But last month he walked free from Calderdale Magistrates' Court because he was not charged within the six-month time limit for summary offences.
Fingerprints and DNA did not link Mr Wainwright to the crime until seven months after he sent the last letter.
CPS head Neil Franklin admitted the mistake, which was not spotted until the eleventh hour when magistrates were considering sentence, but blamed "a gap in the law", which he said the Government should move to plug. Mrs Riordan will ask for the clock to start running after evidence linking a suspect to the crime comes to light, instead of from when the offence is reported. This is the case with some summary offences such as taking a vehicle without consent.
She said: "Justice has not been done. Mr Wainwright admitted sending the letters. It is scandalous he was not prosecuted," Mrs Riordan said.
Mr Wainwright, who stood for election for Calderdale Council and Parliament, sent the posters between February and April 2005. They featured skulls, crossbones, swastikas and threats to spill Muslim blood and incite a race war.
Halifax Evening Courier
Labels:
anti-fascist,
Asian,
BNP,
Calderdale,
Halifax,
mosque,
Muslim,
racist,
Riordan,
swastika,
Wainwright
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