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Tag Archives: Fined

EDL-rally yob fined after South Shields protest

By
October 17, 2013
EDL, English Defence League, Fined, threatening behaviour
craig owens

Craig Owens was arrested at the EDL rally in South Shields

An EDL supporter has been fined after trying to charge at rival protesters at a South Tyneside rally.

Craig Owens repeatedly shouted ‘EDL’ at the group who were in South Shields to protest against a march by the right-wing English Defence League on August 31.

The 28-year-old was arrested as he ran towards them but continued to shout as he was being led away.

He pleaded guilty to using threatening words or behaviour at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court today.

Owens, of Bruce Crescent, Hartlepool, was fined £65 and ordered to pay £85 and a £20 victim surcharge.

Shields Gazette

Owens getting arrested

Owens getting arrested

Craig Owens also appears on this website here

Woman fined for hitting burka-wearer in Woolwich

By
October 4, 2013
assault, EDL, English Defence League, Fined, Racial Conviction, racially-aggravated common assault

A woman has been fined for shouting racist remarks and punching a woman wearing a burka in south-east London.

Tracy Davies, 46, of Charlton Lane, Charlton, was found guilty on Wednesday of racially aggravated common assault.

Bexley Magistrates’ Court heard she attacked the Somali woman, 55, who was shopping with her daughter in Woolwich town centre.

Davies was ordered to pay a £150 fine, £100 compensation, and £105 to cover costs.

‘Sheer bigotry’

The court heard that shoppers in Woolwich town centre immediately went to the woman’s aid and gave the police statements when they arrived.

Supt Parm Sandhu said of the 29 June incident: “Davies’ racist and repugnant remarks were simply triggered by seeing a woman in a burka.

“This attack was completely unprovoked and the result of sheer bigotry.

BBC News

Tracey Ann Davies admitting the crime on Facebook

Tracey Ann Davies admitting the crime on Facebook

Thank to EDL News for the screengrab.

Abuse and threatening behaviour at the EDL Walsall demo

By
July 29, 2013
community order, EDL, English Defence League, Jailed, Public order offence, threatening behaviour

Jack Beasley

An English Defence League supporter who shouted abuse and used threatening behaviour during a demonstration in Walsall – has been handed a criminal anti-social behaviour order after narrowly avoiding a jail term due to health problems.

Jack Beasley travelled from Durham to take part in the protest which brought Walsall town centre to a standstill on September 29 last year, Walsall Magistrates Court heard yesterday.

Trouble flared, in Leicester Street, during the rally.

Miss Jo Taylor, prosecuting, said: “By the time the afternoon approached things were clearly getting out of hand.”

She said Beasley had been wearing a black EDL top and was identified on CCTV raising his arms and chanting.

She said other people around him were throwing ‘missiles’ at police and Beasley looked as though he had picked up some items and was making a throwing action in various photos.

He denied throwing any objects.

Miss Taylor told the court: “As you can see from some photos, he is on the frontline behaving in an aggressive manner, chanting at police.”

Beasley, aged 23, of Cedar Road, Bishop Auckland, initially denied using threatening words or behaviour with the intent to cause fear or provoke unlawful violence.

But he changed his plea to guilty on the day of his trial.

Sentencing Beasley, District Judge Michael Morris said: “It is clear you have hatred for certain members of the community. Whether you are going to change your ways or not, I do not know.

“You were picking up items which could be used to throw at police or demonstrators.”

He said the offence would usual carry a prison sentence but was prepared to suspend the jail term because Beasley had health problems.

Beasley was sentenced to 12 weeks in jail, suspended for 12 months, and was handed a community order with a supervision requirement.

He was ordered to carry out 100 hours unpaid work, pay £250 costs and was handed a three-year criminal anti-social behaviour order which forbids him from attending any rally by the EDL or Unite Against Fascism.

It also prevents him from displaying any banner or placard with writing or a logo which is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to any other person.

A number of protesters and police officers were treated for minor cuts and bruises after angry scenes unfolded last September.

Express and Star

A woman has been fined £100 after she drunkenly told police she was going “P*** bashing with the EDL”.

By
July 25, 2013
EDL, English Defence League, Fined, Public order offence, Racial Conviction, racially aggravated public order offence, Racist Abuse

Woman fined for shouting racial abuse while drunk on her way to EDL rally

A woman has been fined £100 after she drunkenly told police she was going “P*** bashing with the EDL”.

Lianne Tyler made the racist remark to a custody sergeant after being arrested on her way to Saturday’s English Defence League demo in Birmingham city centre.

The 20-year-old, of Brailes Grove, Bordesley Green , also twice referred to a police officer as a “black c***”, the court heard.

City magistrates were told officers had found Tyler drunk and carrying alcohol in New Street. She refused to be moved on and told police: “I’m not f****** leaving town, I’m going to EDL.”

Tyler, wearing a T-shirt and combat shorts in court, pleaded guilty to offences of failing to disperse and racially aggravated public order.

She was fined £50 on each charge, but the fine was deemed served by her time spent in custody since Saturday afternoon.

Police made a total of 20 arrests in connection with the EDL event in Centenary Square and a counter anti-fascist demonstration in Chamberlain Square.

Officers are now studying CCTV footage from the day to identify other possible offences.

There were a total of three hospital admissions for minor injuries, including a police officer who received head injuries after being hit by bricks. He was treated at hospital and later discharged.

Police say up to 2,000 people had gathered at the two rival protests .

But the unrest had repercussions for businesses in the city.

Jerry Blackett, chief executive of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, said: “Retail sales contribute an estimated £3.1 million to Birmingham’s economy per day.

“It’s not possible to know what reduction to trading was caused by Saturday’s demonstrations but at this stage in the fragile economic recovery, we can’t afford any loss of trade, no matter how small.

“There is also the importance of Birmingham’s reputation, which has been transformed in recent years into a popular leisure destination.

“As the largest city outside of London, Birmingham will always be a centre for demonstrations.

“While the right to free speech must be upheld, we need to do all we can to make sure this is exercised in a responsible and safe way.”

Birmingham Mail

‘I’m British … go back to your own country’ Racist rant at Asian police officer.

By
July 19, 2013
criminal damage, Fined, Racial Conviction, racially aggravated public order offence

A BRADLEY man has admitted racially assaulting an Asian police officer.

And a court heard he then made an English Defence League salute after he was arrested.

Laszlo Michael Lankovits, of Elder Road, Bradley, pleaded guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence on May 21.

Kirklees Magistrates were told yesterday that the remarks were made when Lankovits was arrested at his mother’s address for breaching bail conditions.

Prosecutor Astin Bill told the court Lankovits said to the female officer: “I am British. I’ve served in the army. Where are you from? “Go back to your own country.”

He told the court that once in custody Lankovits then shouted out EDL before putting his hand to his chest and making a salute.

Defence solicitor Jonathan Slawinski told the court that his client deeply regretted his actions and was not a member of the English Defence League.

He told the court Lankovits had been to visit his mother on May 21 to discuss “issues” in his childhood.

He said: “He readily accepts what has happened.

“He made these silly and ridiculous comments at a time he had not taken his medication.

“He is pretty disgusted. He is not a member of the EDL.”

The court heard how Lankovits, who served four years with the Royal Engineers, had breached his bail conditions not to go to his mother’s address after he committed criminal damage to his stepfather’s car.

Prosecutor Aston Bill earlier told the court: “There was an argument at his mother’s home address. He wanted her to come out and speak to him.

“He then kicked a panel on a Toyota Yaris and his stepfather made a complaint to the police.”

Chairman of the bench Chop Dat told him: “We have taken into account what has been said. We have given you credit for your early guilty plea.”

Magistrates fined the defendant pounds 180 including pounds 15 victim surcharge.

Lankovits told the court after the sentence he was sorry for the remarks.

The Free Library

Ned fined for racist outburst.

By
July 19, 2013
Fined, Racial Conviction, Racist Abuse, threatening behaviour

A racist teenager who directed a foul-mouthed tirade of abuse at a Paisley shopkeeper has been fined after admitting the offence in court.

Chelsea Lambie, who was just 16 at the time, claimed she was offended when challenged over her conduct at the Keystore shop, in Glenburn Road, on August 6 last year.

Paisley Sheriff Court heard that, when shop manager Shafqat Mahmood followed her and a companion into the street to talk to them, “the red mist descended” as he placed his hand on her.

Drunken Lambie, of Fereneze Drive, Glenburn, then launched foul verbal abuse as she called Mr Mahmood a “Paki b*****d” and told him to “go back to his own country”.

When the startled shopkeeper went back inside, Lambie followed him and continued to hurl abuse his way.

She also pushed Mr Mahmood and warned him he would get his throat cut.

Even when Mr Mahmood threatened to call the police, Lambie paid no heed as she called him a “black b*****d”, lashed out at him and tried to kick him.

She also pushed a National Lottery machine from the counter, causing it to crash to the floor, before fleeing.

The court was told that officers were called to the scene and, after taking statements, they tracked down Lambie and charged her.

In court, Lambie admitted behaving in a threatening and abusive manner, likely to cause fear and alarm, by uttering threats of violence and making racist remarks, as well as assaulting Mr Mahmood and pushing the Lottery machine from the counter.

Defence agent Terry Gallanagh said his client had been “horrified” when she read statements which outlined her behaviour.

She had been drunk on the day in question but had now distanced herself from those she formerly saw as her friends.

Mr Gallanagh added: “She accepts that this kind of conduct is completely unacceptable in a modern-day Scotland.”

Sheriff James Spy fined Lambie, now aged 17, a total of £375, to be paid at a rate of £10 per week.

Paisley Daily Express

Three admit roles in Walsall EDL protest disorder

By
July 19, 2013
Fined, Racial Conviction, racially aggravated harassment
John Sharpe, aged 45, from Walsall and Kyle Kirkbridge, aged 24, from Rugeley

John Sharpe, aged 45, from Walsall and Kyle Kirkbridge, aged 24, from Rugeley

Three men have admitted their roles in trouble which broke out during an English Defence League protest in a busy Black Country town centre.

Angry scenes unfolded in Leicester Street, Walsall, in September as the EDL held a protest and disorder erupted as supporters left a pub.

Kyle Kirkbride, of Rugeley, and Peter Jelley, of Shrewsbury, both admitted threatening behaviour, while John Sharpe, of Leamore, Bloxwich, admitted racially aggravated harassment at Walsall Magistrates Court yesterday.

Mrs Clare Davis, prosecuting, said during the afternoon of September 29 there had been 300 EDL supporters in Yates’s, 100 in Varsity and more elsewhere and disorder erupted when 200 to 300 supporters left the pub.

Some stewards, EDL supporters and police suffered injuries.

The court heard Sharpe made racist remarks to a police officer. Miss Davis said the 45-year-old, of Hawbush Road, was not part of the protest and was in the “wrong place at the wrong time”. Mrs Sheila Hicklin, mitigating, said Sharpe had a drinking problem. District Judge Michael

Morris ordered him to pay a £100 fine, £150 compensation, £85 costs and £15 victim surcharge.

Miss Davis said Kirkbride, aged 24, of Springfield Avenue, had made rude hand gestures to Asian men.

Mr Jason Georgiou, mitigating, said he was not racist and was responding to the men. He was given a £280 fine, told to pay £85 costs and £15 victim surcharge.

Peter Jelley, aged 24, of Prescott Close, Shrewsbury, denied being involved in violence. In mitigation, Mr James Hand said he has no strong political views.

The hearing was adjourned for a pre-sentence report and he was released on conditional bail to return to court on February 6 for sentencing.

Express & Star

EDL supporters fined for on-train racist abuse

By
July 18, 2013
EDL, English Defence League, Fined, Racial Conviction, racially aggravated public order offence, Racist Abuse

Three English Defence League supporters have been ordered to pay more than £350 each after being found guilty of subjecting rail passengers to serious racist abuse.

Tracey Hurley (33), Stuart Parr (28) and a 17-year old youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Wigan Magistrates’ Court on 20 January for trial.

The court heard that, on Friday 25 June last year, the trio had attended an EDL march in Bradford and had been on their way home when they travelled from Manchester Victoria to Wigan on a Northern Rail service. During the journey they became abusive and intimidating, subjecting several passengers to a torrent of racist abuse.

The abuse began when the three sang songs relating to the EDL and Taliban. At Salford Crescent an Asian man boarded the train and was immediately targeted by the group who shouted derogatory remarks about Allah to the man.

PC Tony McGibbon, of British Transport Police, said: “The abuse continued for some time and was directed at anyone on board the train who the three perceived to be anything other than white British. The behaviour of the three was offensive in the extreme, completely unacceptable and made everyone on the train feel incredibly uncomfortable.”

A passenger advised a member of rail staff who reported the behaviour of the three to BTP officers. After witnesses were spoken to the three where arrested and interviewed. During interviews they admitted having been at the EDL march and drinking heavily, but denied making any racist remarks or behaving in a racist manner.

PC McGibbon added: “Despite their initial denials, there is no doubt that these three behaved in a deeply offensive manner and subjected rail passengers to unacceptable and unwarranted abuse. BTP, the rail industry, and the wider criminal justice system, takes a dim view of anyone who behaves in such a way and the sentence handed out should serve as an example and warning to others.”

Hurley, of Kingsley Avenue, Goose Green, was fined £150, ordered to pay £200 costs and a £15 victim surcharge after being found guilty of a racially aggravated public order offence. Parr, of Golborne Place, Scholes, was fined £150, ordered to pay £200 costs and a £15 victim surcharge after being found guilty of a racially aggravated public order offence.

The youth, from Ashton-in-Makerfield, was fined £150, ordered to pay £200 costs and a £15 victim surcharge after being found guilty of a racially aggravated public order offence.

Lancaster Unity

Man photographed with stick moments before attack on Kingston Mosque is spared jail

By
July 18, 2013
criminal damage, Fined, Jailed, Public order offence, Racial Conviction, religiously-aggravated offence, Suspended sentence
Henry Hunter

Henry Hunter

A teenager found guilty of violent disorder following an attack on Kingston Mosque has been spared jail.

Henry Hunter, 19, was convicted last month after a gang of young men laid siege to a mosque in East Road, having previously attended a protest march against Muslim extremism, in November 2010.

But he was acquitted of racially aggravated criminal damage.

At Kingston Crown Court this morning, Hunter, from Ashford in Middlesex, was sentenced to six months at a young offenders’ institute, suspended for 12 months.

He was fined £1,000, given 250 hours of unpaid work, and handed a four month curfew order banning him from leaving his home on Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights.

Hunter was also given an exclusion order banning him from Kingston town centre for a year.

Before the sentence was passed, Hunter’s solicitor Michael Green told Recorder Roderick Fletcher that Hunter was a young man of previous good character who had not been in trouble before or after the mosque attack.

Mr Green said Hunter’s attitude had changed considerably in the two years since the attack, and he was now also holding down a job as a fork lift truck driver.

He contrasted Hunter’s police record with those of Martin Pottle and Alfie Wallace, who, along with David Morris, were all jailed for the attack in April.

Mr Green said Pottle had four previous public order offences and had been sentenced to six months in prison for affray in 2010.

Wallace had convictions for violence, robbery, criminal damage, assaulting a police officer and racially aggravated offences.

Mr Green also pointed to the fact Hunter handed himself into the police voluntarily, after his picture appeared on the front page of the Surrey Comet in the wake of the convictions of Pottle, Wallace and Morris.

Mr Green said: “This is a young man who handed himself into a police station after his picture was published in the Surrey Comet on the same day.

“His attitudes have changed considerably, his personal circumstances have changed considerably.

“He hopes to be given the opportunity to carry on working. Things have changed in terms of his employment, and in terms of his attitude.

“There are no new offences. The author of the pre-sentence report has spoken to the police and there is no suggestion he has been involved in any previous activity.”

Sentencing Hunter, Recorder Fletcher said: “You surrendered voluntarily to the police, you are currently in employment and you have a stable home environment.

“You’ve made important changes to your lifestyle and attitude in the past two years.”

“I’ve felt able to take a different course in your case to the course taken regarding Mr Pottle and Mr Wallace.

“Mr Pottle was substantially older than you, and Mr Wallace was marginally older than you.

“Both were convicted of two offences – violent disorder and religiously aggravated damage to property and both had relevant previous convictions.

“In these circumstances I’ve taken what could be considered as an unusual course in relation to your sentence.”

Surrey Comet

EDL yob fined for swearing at policeman

By
July 18, 2013
EDL, English Defence League, Fined, Public order offence
English Defence League clash with anti-fascist groups in Manchester.
English Defence League clash with anti-fascist groups in Manchester.

AN English Defence League supporter has been fined for his role in the organisation’s October protest in Manchester city centre.

Lee Howarth, 24, from Milnrow in Rochdale, was arrested at Piccadilly Station on October 10, after shouting abuse and swearing at police officers. Hundreds of EDL supporters gathered on the day to demonstrate.

Manchester magistrates’ court heard yesterday how Howarth, who is unemployed, persisted in swearing at police despite repeatedly being told to ‘calm down’.

With his fists raised, Howarth responded: ‘Think you’re a big man? Make me.’

Howarth was drunk at the time.

Philip Lythgoe, defending, said Howarth accepts he swore but that it was in response to being ‘pushed around by police’.

Chairman of the bench, Iain Simms, said: ‘Police are there to do a job and you don’t expect them to be shouted and sworn at.’

Howarth pleaded guilty to a public order offence of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour and was fined a total of £100.

The EDL claims only to oppose radical Islam but supporters were seen at the October demonstrations making Nazi salutes.

Around 1,500 people joined a counter protest by Unite Against Fascism and the two sides faced-off for five hours, separated by police in riot gear and on horseback.

A total of 48 people were arrested during the day and the demonstration left the city with an £800,000 bill.

Manchester Evening News