Homecoming-parade protesters 'told troops to burn in hell'

Magistrates in Luton were told angry scenes broke out during the parade in Luton for the 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, known as The Poachers, on March 10, 2009.

Jalal Ahmed, 21, Yousaf Bashir, 29, Jubair Ahmed, 19, Ziaur Rahman, 32, Shajjadar Choudhury, 31, Munim Abdul, 28, and Ibrahim Anderson, 32, all from Luton, are charged with using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. All seven have denied the charge.

A large crowd gathered in the Bedfordshire town to celebrate the return of the local regiment, who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan, the court was told.

Prosecutor Avirup Chaudhuri said that as the soldiers walked past, some protesters holding placards shouted slogans, including "British Army: murderers"; "British soldiers burn in hell"; "Baby killers shame on you"; and "British soldiers you will pay". They also denounced the troops as terrorists. Police had held a meeting with a group of would-be protesters beforehand to arrange a place where they could gather and a "no arrest" policy was agreed, he said. But the behaviour of some on the day meant officers had to intervene.

When moved to an alternative area, police again had to form a barrier between spectators and protesters who were eventually escorted away, Mr Chaudhuri added. Evidence-gathering police officers filmed the event and, after the footage was viewed, it was decided arrests would be made.

The British Army's actions in Iraq and Afghanistan were "matters of legitimate debate", Mr Chaudhuri said and the court would therefore have to consider the defendants' behaviour with reference to their right to freedom of expression under the Human Rights Act. But some of their conduct could not be said to be reasonable, he added.

However, lawyers defending the men said members of the public were allegedly seen to throw pork and bacon at some of the defendants and were heard shouting "Bin Laden's wife is a whore" and "go and have a shave".

The hearing continues.