THE sentencing hearing of 12 defendants who have admitted public order offences in Brierfield last summer is due to get under way at Preston Crown Court tomorrow.
The 11 men and one woman pleaded guilty to the offences at a hearing last month which followed a police investigation into a demonstration by suspected members of the English Defence League.
Four defendants have admitted a charge of racially aggravated fear or provocation of violence.
They are Bernard Holmes (26), of Bolton Road, Blackburn; Leonard Hawley (47), of Worcester Road, Blackburn; David Wilson (47), of Devon Road, Blackburn; and Jason Smith (43), of Torquay Avenue, Burnley.
Seven defendants have admitted charges of using threatening behaviour.
They are Leanne Thornton (26), of Oak Avenue, Todmorden; Graham Smith (48), of Drapefield, Chorley; Paul Blundell (45), of Lee Street, Longridge; John English (24), of Shorrock Lane, Blackburn; Martin Connor (31), of Corporation Street, Chorley; Jordan Lonsdale (20), of Ribble Lane, Clitheroe; and Paul Jackson (41), of Spring Bank Terrace, Blackburn.
The 12th defendant, David Garrett (45), of Beckett Street, Darwen, has admitted possession of an offensive weapon.
The hearing is expected to continue into Friday.