Racist offered reward for beating of 'negro beast'

A racist who offered a £1,000 reward to beat a black person has walked free from court.

British nationalist Peter Barker, 54, posted shocking remarks including “savage negro beast” on a blogging website in October 2007.

They were aimed at a man Barker blamed for the death of his brother, Christopher Barker, who died of a drug overdose in 2001, Bolton Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Bethan David said the remarks were posted on  a website set up by the defendent and another person to discuss political issues in Britain and the North West.

She said the reward notice was headed: "Reward wanted for murder, bounty for the beating of a n*****.

She said the subject of his remarks was also likened to a "gorilla" and there were details of his family life, with the comment: "There's no resident father though, as typical of negro families."

The reward notice concluded: "Reward for cash, this site will pay for the savage beating of..."

Police were tipped off about the posting, which Barker removed after 24 hours, and he was arrested.

Barker told police he was drunk at the time of the offence but he believed his brother had been murdered and the police had done nothing.

Police searched his home and uncovered far-right wing books, leaflets and magazines dating back to the 1970s.

The material included election manifestos for the BNP and the National Front, and campaign leaflets for the English Democrats Party.

Barker received a 12-month sentence, suspended for two years. He also received a two-year supervision requirement and a six-month curfew between the hours of 8pm and 6am, which will be electronically monitored.