BNP councillor to face race charge

[anti_BNP news]

BURNLEY British National Party councillor has been charged with
racially abusing a group of Asians in the town centre.

Brian Turner was arrested by police in Hammerton Street on Sunday
morning following the alleged altercation.

The Cliviger with Worsthorne councillor was questioned by police and
charged with a section four racially aggravated public order offence.

He was released on police bail and will appear before magistrates.

The 43-year-old, of Athletic Street, Burnley, is a self-employed
painter and decorator. He was elected as a councillor in May 2003.

Today council leader Councillor Stuart Caddy called on Coun Turner to
resign as the BNP said the defendant would fight the accusations.

However, a spokesman for Burnley Council said it was inappropriate for
the authority to comment at this stage.

He added Coun Turner would still be able to continue with his duties
because only members who have been sentenced to three months in prison
were automatically struck off by the authority.

Today the BNP said Coun Turner would fight the charges. Group leader,
Coun Sharon Wilkinson said: "He is denying the charges."

A Lancashire Police spokeswoman said: "He was arrested in Hammerton
Street at 2.30am on November 20 and was charged at 7pm on the same day
with a section four racially aggravated public order offence and
released on bail.

"It is alleged he has shouted to a group of Asian males and he will be
appearing at Burnley magistrates."

Labour leader Coun Caddy said: "The courts and the police will deal
with the matter. I think he should seriously consider his position
whether guilty or not."

Liberal Democrat leader Coun Gordon Birtwistle said Coun Turner should
resign if convicted.

Conservative leader Coun Peter Doyle did not want to comment.

[Ariadne]

Perhaps a binge drinker...

[Ian Bailey]

anti_BNP news wrote:

> BURNLEY British National Party councillor has been charged with
> racially abusing a group of Asians in the town centre.
>
> Brian Turner was arrested by police in Hammerton Street on Sunday
> morning following the alleged altercation.
>
> The Cliviger with Worsthorne councillor was questioned by police and
> charged with a section four racially aggravated public order offence.

A BNP man arrested for being a racist? There must be shome mistake.....

Ian

[Paul Hyett]

Yes, Chris X assures us there are *no* racists in the BNP, and he's
never wrong... :)
--
Paul Hyett, Cheltenham