EDL members sent to prison for attack on socialist meeting

Alan Spence, the north east organiser for the English Defence League (EDL), was jailed last week after attacking a Socialist Workers Party meeting in Newcastle.

Spence was jailed for seven months for his part in the attack, which took place at the Tyneside Irish Centre in September.

Five other EDL supporters were also jailed. Peter Duffy received ten months, Barry Keddy, Michael Garriock and Steven Spence each received eight months, and Colin Burton received seven months.

Anthony Burn, Colin Bell and Paul Starr received suspended sentences.

Alan Spence was a British National Party candidate in the 2010 general election.

This attack on a left wing meeting is a classic fascist tactic.