Man denies racially abusing BNP

Nick Griffin was demonstrating in Burnley with other party members

A man has denied racially abusing British National Party (BNP) leader Nick Griffin and party members at a demonstration in Lancashire.

Tauriq Khalid, 23, told Preston Crown Court that he shouted derisory comments from his car window at the group who were outside Burnley police station.

But Mr Khalid denied that his remarks were racist.

Mr Khalid, from Burnley, denies using racially abusive threatening behaviour last November.

Mark Stuart, defending, asked his client: "Was that abuse you gave to them based on the fact they were white people?"

"No," Mr Khalid replied.

They were sticking fingers up, my first reaction most likely was like that back to them. I was a bit angry Tauriq Khalid

"Did you make any racist remarks?" asked Mr Stuart.

"None at all," Mr Khalid replied.

Mr Khalid admitted driving past the police station, where Mr Griffin was giving media interviews, two or three times.

He said that he had not known in advance about the BNP demonstration on 19 November last year.

"I had my window down and just shouted 'get out of Burnley' then I put my window back up once I had said that," Mr Khalid said.

'Spur of moment'

He admitted shouting the remark more than once and admitted swearing at Mr Griffin.

Mr Khalid said he also made further remarks about Mr Griffin getting out of Burnley and "you're not welcome here".

Mr Khalid denied making a gun gesture at Mr Griffin and said he "might have done the V sign".

"They were sticking fingers up, my first reaction most likely was like that back to them. I was a bit angry," he said.

"I shouldn't have done what I done really, it was just spur of the moment thing."

The trial continues.