AN anti-BNP protester was violently attacked as trouble flared between rival political groups outside Burnley town hall, a court was told.

Magistrates heard how Anti-Nazi League supporter Michael Killian was left in pain and bleeding heavily from a gash in his forehead. He was bruised and shocked following the incident.

He is now scarred after the alleged beating, meted out as the BNP's newly elected councillors turned up for their first council meeting last May.

Michael Sean Brennan, of Manchester Road, Accrington, is said to have delivered the kick to his head. The 41-year-old defendant denies assault by beating, on May 15 last year.

The Burnley court heard how Mr Killian came with friends from Manchester to Burnley to "flour bomb" the councillors , whose ideas he slammed as "odious."

He claimed he wanted to take part in a noisy and forceful, yet peaceful and non-violent protest, to show his disgust and humiliate them. But, the town's justices were told, Mr Killian ended up arrested and was later cautioned, allegedly for threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.

Giving evidence, he said he was opposite the town hall, joining in anti-BNP and anti-racist chanting and slogans. Mr Killian said he had taken four or five packets of flour.

Questioned by John Wood, prosecuting, Mr Killian said a large black "limousine type" vehicle drew up and two or three suited men got out. He presumed they were the councillors and slung two packets of flour.

He said one hit somebody and several BNP supporters then "charged," at his group. He said they looked like they meant some form of violence and he put his hands above his head and turned away.

Cross-examined by Phillip Turner, defending, Mr Killian said he thought throwing flour at a person whose ideas he found odious was non-violent. He wanted to humiliate and embarrass the councillors.

Mr Killian went on: "On their arrival they seemed to have an air of grandeur. I wanted to puncture that aura."

Mr Turner said the defendant did not dispute taking hold of Mr Killian, but from behind.

Mr Turner said: "I wonder how much of your statement you remembered on the night and how much was suggested to you by police officers."

(Proceeding)