Charity sold range of offensive merchandise

A military charity which fundraised in Scotland by selling Nazi memorabilia has been closed down.

1st Knight Military Charity offered products online and from its premises in Blackpool.

Among the items it sold were swastika-emblazoned T-shirts and velcro badges featuring a picture of an assault rifle and the words "72 Virgins Express."

The Charity Commission in England has now closed down the charity after a series of complaints.

It raised funds through selling prize draw tickets across Scotland and the rest of the UK, as well as selling military-style merchandise from its headquarters in Blackpool.

In the BBC Scotland documentary, The Great Military Charity Scandal, broadcast in 2016, volunteers for the charity can be seen mocking Muslims and some Islamic beliefs with founder Andy Linihan filmed selling the offensive velcro badges.

Michelle Russell, director of investigations, monitoring and enforcement at the Charity Commission, said: "The public rightly expect charities to demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and conduct.

"What we saw in this case fell short of that. Not only was this charity mismanaged, we also saw evidence of behaviours and attitudes that have no place in charity.

"The organisation has now wound up, and I am pleased that we have ensured its assets are redistributed by another charity."

Although registered in England and Wales, the charity was found to be fundraising in Scotland through private fundraising companies.

On the Charity Commission's website, 1st Knight Military Charity is now listed as "Removed - CEASED TO EXIST."