A man from Maryport has been convicted after he posted racially aggravated, offensive online content on social media.
Billy Thompson, aged 31 of Mill Street, Maryport was arrested yesterday (7 August) and charged this morning (8 August). He later appeared before North Cumbria Magistrates Court today where he admitted an offence under Section 127 of the Communications Act and was immediately sentenced to 12 weeks in custody.
The court heard how on 7 August 2024, Thompson posted a racially aggravated and threating comment on a Facebook social media post informing the public of a dispersal order being imposed in Carlisle relating to potential planned disorder.
Chief Superintended Carl Patrick said: “I hope today’s swift charge and sentencing sends a clear message to anyone who thinks it is acceptable to post racially aggravated comments online.
“This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and will continue to carry out this proactive policing approach.
“Where there is evidence of people inciting hatred or promoting violence on our streets, our officers will not hesitate to take action.
“We continue to monitor social media and ask that anyone with any information relating to potential planned disorder in the county contacts police via 101.”