German iron crosses and badges of the Hitler youth movement, the SS and the German army, found at the home of one of the six defendants on trial on synagogue arson charges, were shown today at the trial in Central Criminal Court.
The defendants are Hugh Hughes, 27, Malcolm Sparks, 19, and Alex Gordon, 23, who pleaded not guilty to two charges of “maliciously setting fire” to the Ilford District Synagogue and the Lea bridge Road Synagogue last July 31. Three other suspects have pleaded guilty and will be sentenced at the close of the trial. They are Paul Dukes, 18, Graham Chant, 18, and Colin Rainburd, 20.
Detective Inspector Albert Wickstead said the German and Nazi devices were found at the home of Sparks. The inspector testified that Sparks told him that he had been an Obersturmfuehrer (Lieutenant Colonel) in the British National Socialist movement. Sparks described the leader of the movement, Colin Jordan, as a “true Englishman.”
In a written statement, Sparks admitted he had joined with five other members of the British National Socialist group in setting fire to synagogues. In the statement, Sparks said that at the Ilford synagogue, he and “a friend” carried to the synagogue’s front door a bomb made of acetone and gasoline designed by “one of the lads.”
Sparks, who later left the movement, said the group set fire to the synagogues on orders from “the highest authority.” The inspector also testified that Hughes admitted he had made the bomb for the Ilford synagogue arson attack.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
