Former head of English Defence League in Newark sentenced to 12 month community order for racially and religiously-aggravated crime of threatening behaviour
The former head of the English Defence League in Newark has been sentenced to a 12 month community order for a racially and religiously-aggravated crime of threatening behaviour.
Chris Conroy, who set up the English Defence League’s (EDL) Newark division, admitted threatening behaviour with intent to cause a man alarm or distress.
Nottingham magistrates found the offence was aggravated by the defendant's hostility, which was based upon on sexual orientation or the presumption of sexual orientation.
Conroy, 30, also admitted using threatening behaviour towards a second man and assaulting a woman.
The offences were committed at Nottingham Train Station on September 6.
He also admitted assaulting a police officer at the Bridewell Custody Suite following his arrest.
Conroy must carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.
He must pay compensation to his victims totalling £350 and costs of £175.
In 2016, Conroy pleaded guilty to causing racially-aggravated harassment, alarm or distress, and racially-aggravated criminal damage and received a 12 month supervision order, which included 200 hours of community service.
Conroy set up the Newark Division of the EDL in 2011 and helped organise a number of demonstrations across the country, which he attended.
He told the Advertiser at the time it was “patriotism, not racism.”
Inspector Heather Sutton, district police commander for Newark and Sherwood, said: “I am pleased that Mr Conroy has been brought to justice for his offences.
"Reported hate incidents have been stable over the last two years, and I wish to encourage people to come forward and report any hate incident so positive action can be taken.”
