Four more in court over clash between neo-nazis and anti-fascists

By Sonia Gable

This report appeared in the Liverpool Echo on 2 May. Go to the original report for pictures of the accused.

FOUR more people have appeared in court today charged over violent clashes between far-right activists and anti-fascist protesters.

Troubled flared between neo-nazi North West Infidels group and counter demonstrators at St George’s Plateau, Liverpool city centre, on February 27 last year.

Lukasz Poczesny, 33, of Kingsknowe Court, Edinburgh; Igor Fiodorow, 20, of Whatleigh Close in Poole; Janusz Czerwik, 30, of Taywood Road, Ealing; and Pawel Sinichi, 38, also of Taywood Road, were later charged with conspiracy to commit violent disorder and appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court today.

The men, who listened to proceedings via a Polish interpreter, were not asked to enter pleas and the case was sent to Liverpool Crown Court, where they will next appear on May 30.

They were released on bail with conditions not to enter Liverpool other than to attend court or appointments with their solicitors.

The clash took place near Lime Street Station, when a small contingent of the North West Infidels were met by counter protesters.

Although police tried to keep the two groups apart, they were heavily outnumbered and on at least two occasions a number of the “Infidels” group broke through the cordon and fought with anti-fascists.

The violence led to a number of innocent people being struck by objects as they flew through the air, including a police officer who suffered concussion.

Five alleged left wing protesters have previously been charged in relation to the incident and will face Crown Court trials in July.

Daniel Davies, 30, of Norris Green and John Smith, 30, of Toxteth, have denied the charge of violent disorder.

Colin Farrell, 51, of Speke; Ronald Holleran, 50, of Upton, Chester; and Ryan Bate, 23, of Throckley, near Newcastle denied encouraging and assisting offences of affray and violent disorder.