BNP leader found not guilty

British National Party leader Nick Griffin has fought off a bid to have him declared guilty of contempt of court.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission accused him of failing to comply with a Central London County Court judgment ordering the removal of potentially racist clauses from his party's constitution.

Robin Allen QC, appearing for the watchdog, said the BNP was "playing with" the Commission and its officials instead of obeying the judgment.

But Lord Justice Moore-Bick and Mr Justice Ramsey, sitting at the High Court in London, refused to take action against Mr Griffin, BNP deputy Simon Darby and party officer Tanya Lumby.

The Commission had been seeking fines against them for contempt, or possibly the seizure of party assets.