Two men have been sentenced to jail for encouraging violence and hatred online following the Southport attack. This marks the first instances of individuals being charged for such actions in connection to the recent riots that have been occurring across the country.
Jordan Parlour, 28, received a 20-month prison term after admitting to inciting racial hatred through Facebook posts where he called for an attack on a hotel in Leeds during the widespread public disorder that swept England. Tyler Kay, 26, from Northampton, was given three years and two months behind bars for posts on X that advocated for mass deportation and setting fire to hotels housing asylum seekers.
Parlour’s post specifically targeted the Britannia hotel, where over 200 refugees and asylum seekers resided. Despite only receiving six likes initially, the post could still be shared widely due to Parlour’s privacy settings. The judge, Guy Kearl KC, acknowledged that Parlour did not physically participate in the violence but emphasized that he was actively encouraging others to do so.
Nicholas Hammond, Parlour’s legal representative, argued that his client was not part of any organized group promoting violence and was not affiliated with any extremist organization. In a letter to the court, Parlour’s mother suggested that he may have been influenced by the prevailing emotions in the country at the time.
Kay, on the other hand, used his real name and profile picture on his account while advising others on remaining anonymous. He even taunted law enforcement in one of his posts, claiming he would not be caught due to his knowledge from watching crime shows. Despite his efforts to evade detection, Kay was ultimately sentenced to over three years in prison.
In addition to Parlour and Kay, several other individuals involved in the recent riots have also been sentenced to jail time. Stacey Vint, Charlie Bullock, Jordan Plain, Jordan Davies, and Josh Kellett were all handed various prison terms for their roles in the violent unrest that has been unfolding in different parts of the country.
It’s worth noting that the government has implemented measures to address the overcrowding in prisons due to the influx of individuals being sentenced for their involvement in the recent riots. Some criminals may be eligible for early release under a new scheme that allows for prisoners to leave incarceration after serving 40% of their sentence, rather than the previous requirement of 50%.
This move aims to alleviate the strain on the prison system, which is currently operating at maximum capacity. Offenders convicted of serious violent crimes, arson, and terrorism-related offenses will not be eligible for early release under this scheme. The Ministry of Justice has emphasized that these measures are necessary to manage the prison crisis inherited by the government.
Overall, the recent sentencing of individuals involved in the far-right violence highlights the consequences of inciting hatred and violence online. The swift actions taken by law enforcement and the legal system serve as a deterrent to others who may seek to engage in similar behavior in the future.
