Dewsbury man to stand trial over Facebook soldier comments

A 19-year-old Ravensthorpe man is to stand trial on a charge of sending a grossly offensive message via social networking website Facebook.

Azhar Ahmed, of Fir Avenue, denies the charge which was put to him when he appeared at Batley and Dewsbury Magistrates’ Court this morning.

Originally, he was accused of a racially aggravated public order offence for remarks he allegedly made on the internet site. He allegedly criticised the media attention given to the six British soldiers killed in Afghanistan two weeks ago.

Ahmed’s trial will begin at Huddersfield Magistrates’ Court on July 3.

A significant police presence was needed as protesters crowded round the court building.

After the hearing, officers moved in to disperse an angry gathering in the Daisy Hill area. The crowd headed into town, closely followed by police. Small groups with placards then continued to stand around Market Place.