BNP hearing prompts court clashes

A large police presence kept rival protestors away from each other

Far right supporters and anti-fascist groups clashed outside Leeds Crown Court ahead of a hearing involving the leader of the British National Party.

Rival protestors hurled abuse at each other before Nick Griffin and BNP activist Mark Collett were due to appear.

The men are awaiting trial in January on race-hate charges, which they deny.

They appeared in court for a three-day preliminary hearing, the proceedings of which cannot be reported.

Eggs and flour were also thrown during the protest. The BNP said their supporters were not responsible.

Mr Griffin, 45, from Welshpool, mid Wales, and Mr Collett, 24, from Rothley near Leicester, are charged with using words or behaviour intended or likely to stir up racial hatred following the screening of a BBC documentary on the BNP in West Yorkshire.