THE solicitor for Nelson soldier Kevin Williams has told the British National Party to "stay away" from his murder trial at the Old Bailey.

Robert Wong said the BNP's support was inappropriate and urged them to cancel a planned protest today.

He said: "The BNP may have their own political agenda but that does not coincide with Kevin Williams' own views.

"They should not be using a personal case where a young soldier is being prosecuted for a very serious offence to satisfy their own political ends.

"If they truly empathise with Mr Williams then they will stay away."

Trooper Williams, of Cravendale Avenue, Nelson, is a tank driver with the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment and was the first British serviceman charged with murder while serving in Iraq.

The 21-year-old is accused of murdering dad-of-nine Hassan Said, an Iraqi civilian in Ad Dayr, after Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, called for a police investigation.

Barry Birks, BNP councillor for Whittlefield with Ightenhill, admitted there was a protest scheduled. He said: "There is going to be a BNP presence at the Old Bailey as he is a local lad and the reason that he is being charged is ridiculous. The BNP are going there for that reason.

"This is just a chance to support Kevin Williams in what is his hour of need."

But Mr Wong said the case had been re-scheduled until November 3 and Williams would not appear today.

He added: "It seems that the BNP are unaware the hearing has been delayed and so they can protest all they want but there will be no hearing today and no Kevin Williams."