THE president of the National Gipsy Council, Hughie Smith, has been banned by a court from going on to a North Yorkshire travellers' site that he manages.
Smith, 73 and his nephew Charlie Smith, 36, appeared before Harrogate magistrates yesterday, following alleged incidents at the Thistle Hill Caravan Camp, on the outskirts of Knaresborough, where Hughie Smith is leaseholder with responsibility for looking after 20 families.
He pleaded not guilty to making threats to destroy property belonging to Peter and James Varey, while his nephew denied a charge of assault on James Varey.
The pair, who both live at a gipsy camp at Springs Lane, Bickerton, near Wetherby, were bailed to return to court on January 16. Magistrates upheld a bail condition which bars both men from the Thistle Hill site and also ordered they should not have any contact with the Vareys and other prosecution witnesses.
Updated: 12:11 Friday, January 03, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article