BNP leaders on race hate charges

Nick Griffin was charged by West Yorkshire Police in April

Key figures in the British National Party (BNP) have been committed to stand trial on race hate charges.

Leader Nick Griffin, 45, and founding chairman John Tyndall, 70, face charges of using words or behaviour intended or likely to stir up racial hatred.

They were arrested, along with activist Mark Collett, after an investigation into the BBC film The Secret Agent.

They will appear at Leeds Crown Court on 21 July. Magistrates granted them unconditional bail on Thursday.

They could each face up to seven years in jail if found guilty.

Mr Griffin, of Powys, faces four counts of the offence relating to two separate incidents in January and May 2004.

Mr Tyndall, of Hove, East Sussex, faces two counts of the same offence in connection with a speech made at a Burnley social club which featured in the documentary.

Mr Collett, 24, of Rothley, Leicestershire, is accused of eight race hate offences.