Terror as EDL gang attacked anti-racist concert

Nine member of the gang were handed community sentences yesterday after a court heard how windows and doors were smashed as bricks and bottles were hurled at Joseph’s Well in Leeds city centre.

A man who was at the event with his son was hit in the mouth with a missile and had a tooth knocked out.

Leeds Crown Court heard violence erupted when one of the gang, Mark Johnson, 31, tried to push past door staff but was resisted and suffered an injury.

Andrew Stranex, prosecuting, said members of the group were chanting “EDL”. Others were heard to say: “We’re not racist, we just hate Muslims.”

Members of the gang, aged between 14 and 31, were arrested after CCTV images were circulated after the incident on the afternoon of June 18 last year.

Mr Stranex said the concert was supposed to be peaceful but organisers had received warnings from EDL members. One message read: “We will smash the place up.”

Soldier Cavan Langfield, 18, of Stratford Close, Huddersfield, learned yesterday he had been discharged from the Yorkshire Regiment ahead of sentencing. He was given a one-year community order, told to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £250 compensation.

Mark Johnson, 31, of Top of the Hill, Thurstonland, Huddersfield, was given 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with 150 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £400 compensation.

Matthew Bermingham, 18, of Eton Avenue, Huddersfield, and Jonathan Foy, 19, of Fillingfir Road, West Park, Leeds, were both given a one-year community order, 150 hours unpaid work and told to pay £100 compensation.

Aaron Childs, 20, of Chestnut Street, Huddersfield, received a one year community order and must do 150 hours unpaid work and pay £200 compensation.

Joseph Harman, 20, of Cherrywood Gardens, Whinmoor, Leeds, was given a one-year community order, 200 hours unpaid work, and ordered to pay £500 compensation.

Tom Maudsley, 18, of Bridon Way, Cleckheaton, received a one-year community order, 200 hours unpaid work and must pay £100 compensation.

Two youths, aged 15 and 17, who cannot be named, were made the subject of 12 month referral orders.