EDL leader arrested for bail breach

The leader of the far-right English Defence League (EDL) has been arrested for breaching his bail.

Stephen Lennon, 28, was going before magistrates in Luton today after attending a violent EDL demonstration in London on Saturday where he told supporters he was breaching his bail by appearing.

He is on bail for an alleged assault during a demonstration in Blackburn in April.

Today, an official at Luton and South Bedfordshire Magistrates' Court confirmed he was due to appear for breaching bail.

Lennon spoke out on Saturday as demonstrators clashed with police in east London.

He told the chanting crowd: "I'm meant to sign on at a police station on a Saturday. I'm not doing that.

"I'm not allowed to go to a demonstration. I'm not doing that.

"The credible outcome is I will be put on remand in prison for my democratic right.

"That's what's going to happen and when I go to court if they let me out of court with any bail conditions that restrict my democratic right to oppose militant Islam, I will break them the minute I walk out."

The Metropolitan Police said 61 suspects were arrested with 46 bailed to return to a north London police station in November.

Seven people were charged with offences including assaulting officers and public order offences, and a number were released.

The EDL told Scotland Yard it planned a "static demonstration" following a 30-day ban by Home Secretary Theresa May on marching in six London areas.

It was the first time since the Brixton riots 30 years ago that police have requested powers to stop marches in London.

In July, Lennon, from Luton, Bedfordshire, was found guilty of using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour and leading Luton Town Football Club's hooligans into a fight.

The father of three was sentenced to a 12-month community rehabilitation order, 150 hours of unpaid work, and a three-year football banning order. He was also ordered to pay £650 in costs.

PA