Blackburn former EDL leader condemns violent protests

Bernard Holmes, who organised demonstrations for the EDL, a far-right group previously run by Tommy Robinson (Stephen Yaxley-Lennon), across the northwest.

He spent years in prison and says his life is an example of what you stand to lose if you choose violence and protests.

This comes after protesters have been causing disruption in parts of the country, in the wake of child stabbings that took place in Southport at the end of July.

Bernard has spent several stints in jail with numerous convictions to his name, for offences of battery, fraud, actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm.

He led an EDL protest outside Blackburn’s Haslingden Road KFC dressed as a chicken in 2010, which he looks back on with embarrassment.

Bernard Holmes has condemned the current protests (Image: Bernard Holmes) Bernard Holmes has condemned the current protests (Image: Bernard Holmes)

Bernard said he regrets his past actions and now plans to work with a multi-agency service that aims to keep young people out of prison, or work with those that have already served time.

Bernard said: “When I was working with the EDL stuff I wasn’t doing it to be racist. It was my excuse to fight and it was so stupid.

“I have always been a bit of a loner. I was asked to join the EDL after getting out of jail. I loved kicking off with police.

"I just wanted to be accepted by people, even if it was the wrong people, and I loved the camaraderie.

“There was drink involved and I used to take steroids for 20 years, which I think was a major factor. 

"If I could go back in time I would change my actions as I am deeply ashamed of them. I would get a trade and be a family man.”

Bernard has called the protests “disgusting” and says organisers are using similar tactics to those he used, as leader of the EDL.

He said: “I think the current riots and protests are disgusting.

"They are using the tactics I used to use in the EDL, telling only half a story, or a bunch of lies, to encourage people to kick off.

“Social media has warped their brains and I can see why people are getting swayed.

“Kids might look at the rioters and go ‘look at them that’s cool’ [and want to join them] – but look at the consequences.

"Some of the protesters have already been jailed for years. Some of them didn’t even have any previous convictions.”

Bernard is encouraging the public, especially young and impressionable people, to research the information they have been given. He hopes young people can learn from his past mistakes.

He said: “When I was jailed I missed the birth of my daughter and it was my own fault... I can't blame anyone else.

"That was a big trigger but another main thing that helped me change was stopping drinking and taking steroids.

“I don’t have any mates and I don’t have a partner, because of what people think of me. People think I am the same person from years ago.

“People need to look into things instead of just going off what they see on social media, before they kick off they need to get their facts right.

"Look at the people being sent to jail – look at what you could lose if you don’t look into things for yourself.

“As a Dad, I'm worried about kids [across the country] picking up on all this.

“It is really not worth it. I have spent a lot of time in jail. I can sit there and tell you all the [bad] things that happen in jail. You are missing out on your life in there.”

Bernard is currently in talks with organisers of a council-led scheme called the Child And Youth Justice Service.

The service works with children aged eight to 18 who have either committed an offence or are identified as being at risk of doing so. 

He will be speaking to young people about his life and will also speak to authorities to help them identify signs or triggers to look out for in a young person who may be about to embark on a life of crime.

He said: "I am currently in talks with Youth Justice to give talks about my life and how I've changed.

"I will speak about what the triggers were for me and how bad life actually gets after such wrong choices.

“I just want to help struggling kids or adults who are thinking about going on that same life path.

“When I first went into jail I thought ‘I have been jailed for violence, I am well hard, I am a thug’ [like it was something to be proud of].

“I wish somebody had taught me that this mentality is wrong and how life really is in jail. Maybe then, I would have [been that type of person].”