Men Sentenced for Attacks on Far Right in UK

In a Leeds court today, Judge Guy Kearl KC delivered sentencing remarks regarding a violent altercation that occurred on August 3, involving far-right demonstrators and a group of Asian men. The judge's comments, which were televised, highlighted the public nature of the violence, noting that it took place near a bar filled with patrons who were understandably frightened by the events. The judge emphasized that the actions of the defendants, Adnan Ghafoor and Sameer Ali, were unlawful, regardless of any claims of racial abuse made by their defense. The court heard that both men played significant roles in the confrontation, with Judge Kearl detailing their aggressive actions. He described how Ghafoor threw punches at a bald man and later confronted another individual, delivering "full force punches" in both instances. The judge underscored the impact of their behavior on the wider community, stating that many people were affected by the incident. Despite their defense claiming they were victims of racial abuse, the judge noted that this could not be substantiated by the available CCTV footage. He reiterated that the nature of their violence warranted legal consequences, regardless of the circumstances leading up to the fight. Both Ghafoor and Ali voluntarily surrendered to police when they learned they were being sought, with Ghafoor asserting he was part of a mixed group rather than a "17-handed mob." The court's proceedings reflect ongoing tensions surrounding far-right demonstrations and the responses they provoke within communities.