10/11/2006

BNP duo cleared of race hate charges

The leader of the BNP and a party activist have been found not guilty of inciting racial hatred.

Nick Griffin, 47, was found not guilty of using words or behaviour intended to incite racial hatred.

The BNP's had of publicity Mark Collett, 26, was cleared on similar charges.

Both men had made speeches at a tavern in Keighley in West Yorkshire in 2004.

The jury at Leeds Crown Court had deliberated on their verdict for some five hours before pronouncing the men not guilty during their retrial.

The charges were brought after a covertly filmed portion of a BBC documentary 'The Secret Agent' was aired in 2004.

(SP/EF)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

02 February 2006
BNP leader found not guilty of race hate charges
The leader of the British National Party has been cleared of two charges of inciting racial hatred. Nick Griffin, from Llanerfyl, Powys had denied four counts of using words or behaviour intended to incite racial hatred. Another BNP activist, Mark Collett, from Rothley, Leicestershire, also denied eight similar charges.
07 February 2006
Hamza found guilty of race hate charges
Radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of soliciting to murder and race hate charges at the Old Bailey. Egyptian-born Hamza, 47, was found guilty of 11 of the 15 charges against him.
01 February 2007
Cartoon protestor found guilty of race hatred
A British Muslim has been found guilty of stirring up racial hatred during a demonstration in London about cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed. Abdul Saleem, 31, of Poplar, east London was found guilty at the Old Bailey in London. He had denied the charge.
11 February 2009
Prince Harry In New Race Row
Prince Harry is at the centre of a new race row after telling a black comedian, he did not "sound like a black chap". He is alleged to have made the comment to Stephen K Amos at a comedy show to celebrate Prince Charles' 60th birthday.
04 July 2003
Third of public bodies fail race equality standard, says CRE
Nearly one third of Britain's public bodies have stumbled at the first hurdle on new race equality duties, the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) has said following the publication of its survey today.