A MAN has pleaded guilty to racial harassment after shouting the name of the British Nationalist Party at a family home in York.

Lee Andrew Knaggs, 40, of Beckfield Lane, Acomb, admitted shouting the name of the BNP at the home of Memet Koyupinar.

York Crown Court heard Knaggs had been involved in a long-standing dispute with Mr Koyupinar, who lives on the same street as Knaggs’ partner, in Garden Way, Acomb.

Jonathan Devlin, prosecuting, said it was a distressing situation for My Koyupinar’s family.

He said: “The oldest daughter of the complainant is 15-years-old. She has had the misfortune of having to act as the interpreter.”

In defence, Catherine Robinson said Knaggs denied using swear words and racially abusive language towards Mr Koyupinar but he accepted shouting “BNP”.

She said: “This is a case with some history. I have received eight police complaints made by the defendant against the complainant and it is right to say some of them express the view that he is goading the defendant to do something.

“There is a significant history and it’s not all one-way.”

Adjourning sentencing for a pre-sentence report, Judge Recorder David Hatton QC said a term of Knaggs’ bail was that he was not allowed to go to Garden Way. The sentencing was adjourned to March 16.