EDL members banned from demonstrations

Two members of the English Defence League have been banned from joining demonstrations outside their home city.

Richard Price, 41, and Collum Keyes, 23, have been confined to protesting in Birmingham for the next decade by an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo).

Police said it was the first time the actions of anyone linked to the controversial group had been restricted in this way.

The ban came after the pair were arrested at a violent march in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, in May.

Price admitted threatening behaviour and Keyes admitted disorderly conduct at Aylesbury Crown Court today.

Judge Lord Parmoor jailed Price for 12 weeks and fined Keyes £150, saying both men travelled to provoke disorder.

He also granted a 10-year Asbo which stops the men participating in or controlling any protest more than 10 miles from the centre of Birmingham.

They were also banned from distributing any material encouraging others to attend protests outside the city.

Detective Constable Andy Haworth, of the National Domestic Extremism Unit, said the move would stop the men using EDL demonstrations as an opportunity for violence.

He said: "While the Defence Leagues are entitled to protest, violence has been a persistent feature of their demonstrations, and we hope the success of today's application will prevent that violence."

Pc Mike Ellis, of Thames Valley Police said: "This is a clear signal to those who would use violence and disorder to further their extreme and racist views, to intimidate and create fear within minority communities."