The leader of far-right group Britain First is to fight allegations that he incited hatred at a rally in Belfast, a court has heard.
Paul Golding (35), and his group’s deputy leader, Jayda Fransen (31), are now set to stand trial together in April.
As Mr Golding appeared before magistrates in Belfast, his lawyer confirmed he would be contesting claims of using threatening, abusive or insulting words during a demonstration last summer.
“He’s pleading not guilty to both charges,” barrister Richard McConkey said.
Allegations against the two senior Britain First figures relate to speeches made at a Northern Ireland Against Terrorism rally at City Hall on August 6th.
Demonstrators had gathered on the same day as a republican march organised to mark the use of internment without trial by the British army at the height of the Troubles in 1971.
Mr Golding, of Beeches Close in Anerley, London, was arrested last month after he arrived at Belfast Magistrates’ Court for the first stage of his party colleague’s prosecution.
He returned on Wednesday to have the two charges of incitement to hatred put to him. He replied “Yes” when asked if he understood the allegations.
An investigating detective said she could connect him to the charges.
Controversial video
Ms Fransen, who appeared in the same dock on Tuesday to face similar counts, has provoked controversy by appearing in a filmed update on the case while sitting in the Belfast lord mayor’s chair.
The video clip, in which she wears council robes, was posted on Britain First’s Facebook page.
Ms Fransen is also separately charged with inciting racial hatred by way of anti-Islamic remarks at a peace wall in Belfast on December 13th.
She was back in the public gallery with around a dozen supporters for her party leader’s first appearance.
District Judge Fiona Bagnall was told the cases against both Britain First representatives in connection with the City Hall rally should be heard together.