Prefer Jewish News on Google
Probationary police officer denies being member of banned neo-Nazi group
Benjamin Hannam of Enfield denied being part of far-right proscribed terror group National Action
A probationary Metropolitan Police officer has denied being a member of the banned neo-Nazi group National Action.
Benjamin Hannam, 22, of Enfield, north London, denied three charges when he appeared at the Old Bailey on Monday.
The first charge alleges Hannam belonged to or professed to belong to a proscribed organisation, namely National Action, contrary to section 11 of the Terrorism Act 2000, between December 2016 and September 2017.
He also pleaded not guilty to two counts of fraud by false representation in relation to his police application and vetting forms.
The charges state he claimed he had not been a member of an organisation similar to the BNP, namely National Action, intending to make gain for himself, contrary to sections 1 and 2 of the Fraud Act 2006.
Hannam was charged in July following an investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and has been suspended from duty, Scotland Yard said.
The defendant, who is on bail, faces a four-week trial from March 1.
A further pre-trial hearing was set for February 1.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
