The leader of the English Defence League has been banned from organising or taking part in any of the group’s protests as part of bail conditions.
Stephen Lennon, of Layham Drive, Luton, pleaded not guilty to a public order offence, which is alleged to have happened at an EDL rally in Luton town centre on May 26 against Euro MEP Richard Howitt.
At Luton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, the 26-year-old was granted conditional bail to reappear before magistrates on October 31 for a trial. As part of his conditions he must tell Luton police, within three days, if he is to move addresses.
He must also not knowingly organise, travel to, or participate in any march, demonstration, protest or similar within ten miles of Luton. In addition he must not send any article, letter, fax or email that seeks to promote or publicise any match, demonstration or protest in the open air within ten miles of Luton.
At a hearing at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on June 24 in relation to an assault, he has been granted the same bail conditions, which also ban him from the above but which occur more than ten miles from the centre of Luton.
He was also ordered by Blackburn magistrates to report to Luton Police station every Saturday between midday and 2pm, but he was unable to do so yesterday as he was on holiday. If he breaks any of his bail conditions he can be imprisoned. He is due to stand trial at Preston Magistrates’ Court for the assault charge on September 29.