Last updated at 12:38, Thursday, 28 June 2012

A printing firm boss accused of blackmailing British National Party leader Nick Griffin was from a good family and has no links with terrorism, a court heard.

David Sloan

Related: I did not go to intimidate daughter of BNP leader, man tells Carlisle court

The character reference was given at Carlisle Crown Court by James Moffatt, who said he had known David Sloan since he was a schoolboy.

A former police officer who now works as a security consultant, Mr Moffatt said the defendant was more interested “in his hair and his looks” than the things that now go on in Northern Ireland.

Sloan, 33, of Newtownards, County Down, Northern Ireland, has denied seven charges of blackmail, making unwarranted demands for money with menaces.

The prosecution claims he sent a series of threatening messages to Mr Griffin and close members of his family, including his daughter Jennifer Matthys, who lives in the Wigton area.

The case continues.

First published at 11:27, Thursday, 28 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk