Four men go on trial over EDL violence in Birmingham

The Birmingham Mail reported that police were injured and property was damaged as English Defence League (EDL) members tried to break through a police cordon in Birmingham to get at counter demonstrators, a court heard.

The violence occurred on July 20 last year by EDL demonstrators “only concerned in causing public disorder,” it was claimed.

Thomas Wilkie, 22, of Wednesbury, Paul Mckenzie, 48, of Cleveland, Andrew Edge, 44, of South Stockport and Shane Williams, 26, of Leicester, all denied a charge of violent disorder.

The prosecutor said around 1,800 EDL supporters had gathered outside Bar Risa by 1pm on the day of the demonstration.

He said: “Officers had become concerned at this stage given the numbers. There were also members of the public with views opposing those of the EDL and there were verbal confrontations.

“It was then decided that the police would move on the demonstrators to Centenary Square. That is when the trouble really began.”

He said the EDL demonstrators attacked the cordon, adding: “There was some pushing and lunging towards the police and kicking and punching. Things were being thrown at police, bricks and stones, things of that nature.”

Reinforcements were drafted in, with officers wearing full protective gear, and the disorder lasted a number of hours, the court heard.

Further reading:

1. Four men go on trial over 'EDL violence' in Birmingham