'˜Counter jihadist' denies inciting hate

A self-proclaimed counter-jihadist is to deny allegations of inciting hatred in Belfast, a court heard today.
Britain First member John Richard Banks, from Doncaster, at Belfast Magistrates Court.

Photo: Press EyeBritain First member John Richard Banks, from Doncaster, at Belfast Magistrates Court.

Photo: Press Eye
Britain First member John Richard Banks, from Doncaster, at Belfast Magistrates Court. Photo: Press Eye

John Richard Banks’ lawyer confirmed he will be pleading not guilty to charges connected to a speech he gave along with the leaders of far-right group Britain First.

Banks, 60, of Acacia Road in Doncaster, Yorkshire, is the fourth person to be prosecuted over last summer’s demonstration.

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He faces two counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words.

Banks allegedly intended to stir up hatred or arouse fear by his comments, according to the police case.

He was arrested last month, transferred to Northern Ireland and charged by detectives from the PSNI’s Criminal Investigation Branch.

Appearing for the first time at Belfast Magistrates Court, Banks spoke only to confirm that he understood the allegations against him.

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The case relates to speeches made at a ‘Northern Ireland Against Terrorism’ rally outside City Hall on August 6.

Demonstrators had gathered on the same day as a republican march organised to mark the use of internment without trial by the British Army at the height of the Troubles in 1971.

Similar charges have also been brought against Britain First leader Paul Golding, 35, his 31-year-old deputy Jayda Fransen, and Paul Rimmer, 55, of Modred Street in Liverpool.

They also deny the allegations and are expected to stand trial together in April.

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In court today Banks’ solicitor, Jonathan Burke of McConnell Kelly, said: “My instructions are that he is pleading not guilty to the charges.”

Listing the case for a further review next week, District Judge Fiona Bagnall excused the accused from travelling back to attend that hearing.

Outside court Banks confirmed he is a member of Britain First and said: “I’m a counter-jihadist.”

He added: “Free speech in this country is dead - it’s treated as though it’s hate speech.”

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