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FAR-RIGHT activist James Goddard has denied calling the MP Anna Soubry a “nazi” and a “traitor” in a chaotic court hearing.
The 29-year-old, from Greater Manchester, pleaded not guilty to harassing the ex-Tory and now Independent Group politician between December 18 and January 8 at Westminster.
He also denied one count of racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress, and another count of harassment, alarm or distress, when he appeared at Westminster magistrates’ court today. He is expected to rely on a defence of fair comment.
Judge Kenneth Grant rose and adjourned the case 15 minutes into the hearing after several people in the public gallery began shouting about Brexit, made derogatory comments about Ms Soubry, and chanted: “Shame on you.”
Addressing the judge from the dock, the defendant said: “It’s not illegal to heckle an MP. All of this is wrong.”
He will return for a two-day trial on July 19. Ms Soubry is expected to be among the witnesses.
