Beds bozo breaches bail...

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Tommy Robinson AKA Stephen Lennon AKA Stephen Yaxley-Lennon breaching his bail conditions by attending a meeting of Wolverhampton EDL last Saturday night, the naughty boy. Want to report him? Bedfordshire Police non-emergency number is 01234 841212.

Cheers to @everythingedl over on Twitter

York say Charles Wentworth will be invited to deliver Gimcrack speech

• John McCririck claims former BNP donor should be shunned
• Wentworth calls McCririck's intervention 'vindictive and spiteful'

Charles Wentworth will be invited to deliver the Gimcrack speech by officials at York racecourse, despite the public intervention of John McCririck, who has vowed to boycott the occasion because of Wentworth's past as a donor to the British National Party. By a tradition established centuries ago, the honour of giving the speech falls to the owner of the first horse in the Gimcrack Stakes, won by Wentworth's Caspar Netscher on Friday.

McCririck used Channel 4's The Morning Line programme on Saturday to draw attention to Wentworth's past association with the far-right political group, to which the owner admits having made donations over a period of "six or seven" years. However, Wentworth insists that he has not donated for four years and is no longer a member of the BNP. Quoted in the Racing Post, he described McCririck's intervention as "unnecessary, vindictive and spiteful".

"He will be invited in his capacity as an owner," said James Brennan, head of marketing for York racecourse, which organises the dinner. "If you wanted to delve into the private lives of owners or racecourse executives or, heaven forfend, journalists, you might often find something to offend your personal moral code or compass." He pointed out that Wentworth must have passed the fit-and-proper-person test which the British Horseracing Authority applies to all owners.

Brennan stressed that the dinner is a racing occasion and he does not expect the content of the speech to stray beyond the sport's narrow confines into anything that the outside world might recognise as politics. "The owner in question quite often says: 'Great horse, great trainer, great race, great dinner,' and sits down," he said.

"At other times, they might say: 'I don't know where we're going to run him next year because he's not good enough for the Guineas and there's a gap in the pattern for horses like him.' It's that sort of speech. Sheikh Mohammed used the opportunity, many years ago, to express some strong views on racing that were acted upon and there have been other impressive and significant, racing-related addresses. We're proud of it as a racing occasion."

The dinner takes place each December and attendance is limited to 119 guests. Brennan said that past attendees include Prince Charles and Sir Alex Ferguson. McCririck expects that his boycott threat will mean he is not asked this time, but Brennan was coy on the subject.

"The job of compiling the list is not one that falls to me," he said. "So many people like to be invited that there is a bit of natural rotation every year." Asked if anyone else had expressed concern over Wentworth, he said that he had been kept busy through Saturday, dealing with the final day of the track's Ebor meeting.

McCririck maintained his stance on Sunday, describing the Gimcrack speech as "the No1 public-speaking slot in the sport" and saying that Wentworth's involvement "shames the whole of racing". Though happily admitting to holding right-wing views himself, he described the BNP as "a repugnant, vile organisation" and said his concern was for the sport's good name.

"It's how racing will look, as if we're prepared to tolerate this man's views and give him a platform at a prestigious occasion. It's just one little thing but we, in our little world, can show that we're not going to stand for this. The only control I've got is that, if I'm invited, I'm not going to go. I don't want to listen to a man like this."

Caspar Netscher is trained by Alan McCabe at Averham Park outside Newark, also the base for David Brown, whose Frederick Engels was a disappointing fifth of seven behind Dabirsim in the Prix Morny at Deauville on Sunday. David Redvers, an agent for the horse's owner, said the horse was feeling the effects of recent international travel, having raced in Ireland a fortnight ago.

"Johnny Murtagh said he coughed once at the stalls and six times after the race," Redvers reported. "If he had won the Phoenix [at The Curragh], we would never have brought him here, but we thought it was worth a chance. It turns out to have been a mistake. He looked magnificent but when you travel abroad, it's like having a run in itself. We'll give him a long break and bring him back for the Middle Park Stakes."

Mark Johnston had a better day, winning the Prix Kergorlay with Jukebox Jury, on whom Neil Callan rode an intelligent race from the front. Sir Henry Cecil's Timepiece was collared close home by Announce in the Prix Jean Romanet.

Observer

Rain disperses far right group

Efforts by the English Defence League to hold a "meet and greet" in Kingston fizzled out in heavy rain yesterday.

The far-right group had been due to start their first formal event in the borough at 1.30pm on Saturday. Police, who maintained a highly visible presence in town and outside Kingston Mosque, said they recognised a number of suspected EDL members around town. However, they did not deliver any leaflets after heavy rain hit the town in the early afternoon.

About 20 people from the GMB union, Kingston Green Party, Socialist Workers Party, the Union Against Fascism and the South London Anti-Fascist Alliance held their own counter demonstration.

Matthew Smith, of Kingston GMB, said: "Unlike eight EDL members stuck on a table in Wetherspoons, we were out in the rain distributing 500 leaflets. It was an effort to make sure anyone who could be suseptible to know why the EDL are wrong."

David Gair, of Kingston police, said: "Whether their resolve was weakened by the weather I don't know. We have seen a few suspected EDL members, but they did not come out in great numbers."

Surrey Comet

Cheers to Zaahid and others for the heads-up

Sheer class...

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City hailed for blocking bid to stage far-right parade

CONFRONTATION: Police control an SDL march on the Royal Mile last year

Councillors have been praised for their decision to ban a planned far-right parade through Edinburgh amid fears it would create a "flashpoint" of violence.

The Scottish Defence League's rally would have seen around 200 people take to the streets on the day before the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in New York. The controversial march attracted a flurry of objections over the group's "racist and homophobic" views, with Justice Secretary Kenny McAskill claiming it "could pose a threat to public safety". The council's licensing committee voted unanimously to throw out the plans yesterday.

Aamer Anwar, a human rights lawyer and organiser of Scotland United, said: "We welcome the council's decision to ban the SDL march. Neo-Nazis masquerading under the flag of Scotland will never be welcome in our capital city."

During the meeting yesterday, Councillor Joanna Mowat said she feared the parade could turn violent.

"Given the tension there is in the UK, along with what has happened in England, I think this could be a flashpoint. There could very well be a risk to public safety."

Asked to explain the views shared by SDL members, regional organiser Paul O' Donnell told councillors: "The main issue is the rise of militant Islam in the UK and how we feel the Government is not doing anything about it. We feel that when peoples' lives are being put at risk because of Islamic extremists, we've got to stand up."

Fellow organiser Graham Fleming added: "The EDL have members who are BNP members, we ourselves are trying to get these people out. We do offer moderate Islams the chance to stand beside us."

But the pair were grilled over photographs of an SDL event in Irvine, which showed participants carrying banners proclaiming "No more mosques".

Mr Fleming insisted the people carrying the banners had no connection with the SDL, but Councillor Louise Lang said: "The concern I have is over the lack of proactive action over those placards. I would not be comfortable in supporting this on the basis of public order."

Lothian and Borders Police did not object to the bid, but Superintendent David Carradice said in a statement: "If previous experience in February 2010 is anything to go by, any opposition rally is likely to be significant in size with some of the opposition wanting to find themselves near to SDL with a view to registering their concerns at the views being expressed."

Asked whether the SDL would appeal the decision, Mr Fleming said: "We will need to sit down and work out what is the approach now for the SDL."

Scotsman

Far-right to defy ban on powderkeg 9/11 protest

A far-right organisation has threatened to take court action or stage an illegal gathering in Edinburgh after its bid to stage a formal parade in the city was thrown out.

The Scottish Defence League said it is likely to appeal to Edinburgh Sheriff Court on the grounds of "freedom of speech" after councillors ruled it posed a "significant risk" of disorder. Two members failed to convince councillors of the merits of holding the event after claiming they were opposed to the "rise of militant Islamists" in the UK and wanted to highlight the need for "drastic action".

The group had been planning to hold a demonstration passing near the American Consulate the day before the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks. But the application attracted more than 1,000 complaints from politicians, anti-racism groups, community organisations and trade union leaders, who were concerned the group would trigger racial unrest in the city. SDL representatives told the council the group had distanced itself from more hard-line members but struggled to explain photographs taken at recent rallies showing placards featuring racist phrases, claiming they were not made by an official members of the group.

The SDL also claimed it had no links with the notorious English Defence League, which has been linked with Norwegian terrorist Anders Breivik.

The parade would have started at Regent Road and included a rally at the Wellington Statue at the east end of Princes Street. SNP councillor Rob Munn, chairman of the council's licensing committee, said although he valued "freedom of speech and freedom of assembly", this had to be balanced with potential disruption to the life of the city.

He added: "I have no doubts that the police would be able to deal with any eventuality, but there is just too great a risk to public safety and public order. We take these decisions on behalf of the people of Edinburgh with the safety of the city in mind. We haven't been convinced, on the basis of the information provided to us, that our concerns about safety, order and disruption can be addressed and resolved."

Tory councillor Jo Mowat said: "This is a very difficult decision for the council as freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are very important in the UK. It's with a very heavy heart that we make this decision, but there is a risk that this event could be a potential flashpoint." SDL spokesman Graham Fleming said after the hearing: "The SDL has changed a lot over the last few months.

Scotsman

Woman admits part in racism

A single mother said to be a member of the English Defence League (EDL) has admitted her part in an incident which saw racist remarks daubed on buildings including a mosque.

Charlotte Christina Davies, 19, intends to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit racially aggravated criminal damage, Durham Crown Court heard yesterday.

The teenager, from Aylesbury, in Buckinghamshire, was charged after slogans were spray-painted on the Nasir mosque, in Hartlepool, and the Albert Guest House and Milko store, in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, on November 16, last year.

Ms Davies sent text messages suggesting people throw pork scratchings, leave a pig’s head and daub Merry Christmas above a door the day before the beginning of the Muslim festival of Eid, David Crook, prosecuting, told the court.

No charges were formally put to Ms Davies yesterday but Jane Waugh, for Ms Davies, said her client would be pleading guilty on an agreed basis. That basis would include that whatever she suggested was not carried out, she said.

Ms Waugh asked for a presentence report be compiled on Ms Davies – a request agreed by Judge John Evans, who adjourned her case to be heard at Durham Crown Court in the week beginning Monday, October 3, and granted her unconditional bail until that date.

The judge told Ms Davies: “Your case is now adjourned to the week of October 3. It’s adjourned for a pre-sentence report, which will be prepared on the basis you intend to plead guilty. The fact that I’m admitting you to bail must not be taken by you as any indication of your sentence.”

At the time of her arrest, Durham Police said Ms Davies claimed to be a member of the EDL, a far right protest movement.

Northern Echo

Thanks to Greg for the heads-up

How stupid are EDL members? (Part 454)

The leader of Morecambe EDL proves he's a complete and utter fucking idiot.

EDL Jewish Division turn on Blacks

Far right extremists Robert Bartholomeus and Roberta Moore

The far right English Defence League's out of control Jewish Division have turned their extremism towards black people. Roberta Moore and Robert Barthomeus, neither of them Jewish or British, turned their bile towards the Reverend Jesse Jackson describing him as an 'ape faced black nazi'.

This comes a month after Moore and Bartholomeus denounced the child victims of Anders Behring Breivik as 'scum'. Bartholomeus has previously called for the rape of female EDL members for purely disagreeing with his extremist politics and is part of the banned Jewish Task Force terrorist group.

Whilst Yaxley lennon refuses to disassociate himself from the Jewish Division they are still part of the organisation. EDL News wonders what these pair of extremists have on Lennon and whether the UK security forces should look at their immigration status and whether to throw them out of the UK for security reasons.

EDL News

Far right group rally banned in Edinburgh

A far right group will not be allowed to march in Edinburgh on the eve of the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist atrocity.

The Scottish Defence League wanted to rally in the capital's east end. However, Edinburgh City Council backed opponents who said the gathering would be a threat to public safety.

The Scottish Defence League (SDL) is an offshoot of the English Defence League which has been associated with trouble at gatherings south of the border. That group was cited by Norwegian gunman Anders Breivik as an organisation he admired.

About 50 SDL supporters held a rally in Edinburgh last year. They were outnumbered by 2,000 counter protesters marching under the banner of Scotland United.

The SDL notified the council they intended to march from near the American Embassy to the east end of Princes Street on 10 September. The decision to turn down the proposal was made by members of the council's licensing committee on Friday over fears of public disorder.

More than 3,000 people died after two jets crashed into the two World trade Center building in New York on 11 September, 2001.

BBC

Council tells May: Ban EDL march or face judicial review

Tower Hamlets council is threatening to take the Government to court if it refuses to ban a march by far-Right group the English Defence League.

Leaders are warning of violence if the event goes ahead on September 3 and will seek a judicial review if Home Secretary Theresa May does not ban it. A council source said: "Something must be done to prevent this demonstration. If a judicial review is the only way then that is what we will do."

The EDL told members in an online message to take "our message into the heart of militant Islam within our own country". The message added: "We will go where we want, when we want."

Last week the Home Secretary banned an EDL march in Telford, Shropshire, saying she was acting to protect communities and property.

A Home Office spokesman said: "The Home Secretary can only ban a march in London following a formal application from the Commissioner of the Metropolitan police. No such application has been received. The Home Secretary will carefully consider any formal application, subject to the relevant legal tests."

Tower Hamlets Labour group leader Josh Peck said: "The EDL march should be banned. The police are more than capable of keeping them under control, but that won't stop the tension and anger that could exist long after they have left."

London Evening Standard

Thanks to Zaahid for the heads-up

‘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