Drew McConnell of Babyshambles has condemned a magistrates court verdict against LMHR national coordinator Martin Smith.

Martin, who is also an officer of our sister organisation Unite Against Fascism, was arrested at last year’s protest against BNP leader Nick Griffin’s appearance on the BBC Question Time programme.

Magistrates have now convicted him of assault on a police officer on the word of a single police officer, despite the lack of evidence against him. He has been sentenced to a 12-month community order, with 80 hours’ unpaid work, and has been fined £450.

Protest

Drew joined the 200-strong protest outside the court to support Martin, and played Albion – with a megaphone for amplification – on the steps of the court (see video).

Longstanding LMHR supporter Drew – pictured above with Martin at last year’s LMHR festival in Stoke – slammed the verdict against Martin, saying:

Martin Smith is a hero and an inspiration to every good person who knows him. Not least the musicians who have worked alongside him in his tireless Love Music Hate Racism work. I know I speak for every artist and fan of LMHR when I say that we’re disgusted with the outcome of today’s trial.

When such a blatantly fabricated charge is upheld, one must seriously questions the motives behind those responsible. Indeed, its ramifications in light of the impending economic crisis are sinister at best. But I know this could never deter Martin from continuing to fight fascism with all of his being, or us from supporting him and the spirit of the anti-nazi movement.

Here’s Drew, playing live outside South Western Magistrates Court, London