THE BNP Parliamentary candidate for Huddersfield has appeared in court accused of dealing in crack cocaine and heroin.
Karl Hanson, 34, of Fieldhead Way, Heckmondwike, appeared at Leeds Magistrates' Court yesterday facing five class A drugs offence charges.
Three of the charges were for supplying crack cocaine, one was for supplying heroin and one was for possession with intent to supply class A drugs.
He was granted bail to reappear at Leeds Crown Court on May 17. At this stage, he has not been asked to enter a plea to the charges.
Party chiefs were rocked by the news today and suspended Hanson immediately.
Although his name will remain on ballot papers for tomorrow's General Election his party membership has been withdrawn, pending the outcome of the court case.
Clr David Exley, the BNP's parliamentary candidate for Dewsbury, said: "If he is guilty he will be expelled from the party.
"We do not condone any sort of drug use.
"We must send a massive apology to the people in Huddersfield who have already voted for him.
"Their vote was for the party and not Karl Hanson."
Yorkshire BNP organiser Nick Cass said he was shocked at the news.
He said: "Karl is a friend, but if this turns out to be true both myself and the party will have very little to do with him in the future.
"It is a huge shock. His past credentials are excellent and we were confident of his chances in Huddersfield.
"A lot of people in the party are upset with him. But it is early days yet and we are trying not to jump to any conclusions."
