BNP leader denies race charges

British National Party leader Nick Griffin has appeared in court to face four race hate charges following an undercover television documentary.

Mr Griffin pleaded not guilty at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday when he appeared with activist Mark Collett who denied eight similar charges.

Charges against party founder John Tyndall were formally dropped after his death on Tuesday.

Both men were given unconditional bail. A trial date has yet to be fixed.

Police presence

Mr Griffin, 45, of Llanerfyl, Powys, faces two charges of using words or behaviour intended to stir up racial hatred and two charges of using words or behaviour likely to stir up racial hatred.

The charges relate to two alleged incidents - one at the town hall in Morley, near Leeds, and the other at the Reservoir Tavern pub in Keighley.

Mr Collett, 24, of Rothley, Leicestershire, appeared in court charged with four counts of using words or behaviour intended to stir up racial hatred and four counts of using words or behaviour to stir up racial hatred.

The charges follow incidents at the Reservoir Tavern in Keighley, the Royal pub in Morley and the Falconer's Rest pub in Morley.

Outside the court there was a strong police presence and three rival demonstrations were held close to the building's entrance.

An inquiry into the party's activities was sparked by the broadcast of the BBC Secret Agent programme.