Extremist fined for abusive behaviour

By Johnathan Schroder | Thursday, 14 April 2005 Source: Enfield Independent

A former British National Party (BNP) activist has been fined hundreds of pounds by magistrates for the harassment of an anti-racism campaigner from Freezywater.

Roger Goff, of Forest Road, was verbally abused by former Cheshunt BNP member John Cope, of Mortimer Gate, as he delivered election leaflets last year for the Broxbourne Against Racism Group, of which he is a co-founder.

Cope was also said to have banged his fist on a car and taken photographs of Mr Goff and two of his companions.

Mr Goff, who is also the Enfield spokesman for the National Union of Teachers (NUT) was pleased with the outcome.

He said: "It is a result. The NUT is also totally opposed to the policies of the BNP. This kind of political intimidation is not on, and that was made loud and clear by the outcome of the court case.

Ian Dust, co-ordinator of Broxbourne Against Racism, also spoke out against the right-wing extremist party. He said: "As we are now officially in an election campaign, I would like to quote Michael Howard, leader of the Conservative party, in a speech about the BNP recently this is not a political party, this is a bunch of thugs dressed up as a political party'.

"I am confident that local people will reject out of hand both Cope and his political allies in the BNP at the ballot box on May 5."

Hertford magistrates dealt Cope a £750 fine and ordered him to pay £104 costs last Monday, after he admitted harassment.