Two BNP party members men jailed for sexual activity with 14-year-old girls had been thrown out of the British National Party when their offences came to light, it has been revealed. Ian Richard Hindle, 32, of Church Walk, Blackburn, and Andrew Paul Wells, 49, were jailed on Thursday for a total of five years and three months.

Two men jailed for sexual activity with 14-year-old girls had been thrown out of the British National Party when their offences came to light, it has been revealed. Ian Richard Hindle, of Church Walk, Blackburn, and Andrew Paul Wells, were jailed on Thursday for a total of five years and three months. Preston Crown Court heard the pair had plied the girls with alcohol at Wells' flat on Infirmary Street in Blackburn.

Both men had been BNP members up until they were arrested for the offence, said local party organiser Robin Evans. He said: "They didn't have any sexual offences when they became members. As soon as it was brought to our attention - as soon as they were arrested - they were both expelled." adding "If it was up to the BNP they would have got a lot longer."

Mr Evans said the pair were not involved in the running of the local party. He added "They just turned up to meetings. We are glad to be rid of them".

Hindle, who pleaded guilty to unlawful sex with a child, was jailed for three years. The court heard that when Hindle had first met the girl she had lied about her age, but that he had discovered the truth before having sex with her.

Wells, of Infirmary Street, Blackburn, who was jailed for two years and three months, had earlier pleaded guilty to two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and one of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

The pair were jalied for a total of five years and three months.