A LANCASHIRE man accused of distributing leaflets designed to inflame religious hatred against Muslims has been cleared by a jury.
British National Party activist Tony Bamber, 53, who denied wanting to start a faith war by blaming Muslims for the heroin trade, was found not guilty after a Preston Crown Court trial.
Leaflets were posted in Barnoldswick, and two barristers and a Cumbrian college were also sent the material.
Bamber, from Preston, denied seven counts of distributing threatening written material intended to stir up religious hatred between March and November 2008.
The former University of Central Lancashire politics and economics professor told jurors: “It was a desire to protest at what I say is a monstrous abomination.
"I believe I have the right to protest about the heroin trade.”
The Lancashire Telegraph revealed in March 2008 that the leaflets had been posted in Nelson and Burnley.
Royal British Legion supporters were appalled that they were attributed to the ‘Preston Pals’, a First World War regiment.
And the parents of heroin victim Rachel Whitear, whose image was used on the leaflets, also complained about her unauthorised inclusion in the material.
She is seen slumped with a syringe in her hand. The picture was widely used as part of anti-drug initiatives.
Three other men were quizzed in connection with the leaflets, but prosecutors dropped charges against them after receiving legal advice.
Protests were staged by the BNP outside Burnley Police Station follow-ing their release.
Det Supt Neil Hunter, of Lancashire Police’s major investigation team, said: “Notwithstanding today’s decision, we condemn the contents of the leaflets and their distribution which we are concerned has the potential to damage community cohesion.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel