Tuesday 8 October 2024

"Blow up the mosque" woman jailed for inciting violence

"Blow up the mosque" woman jailed for inciting violence

Uk | 1 month ago

By Yasmin Adams

A woman who called for a mosque to "be blown up with the adults inside" has been jailed for 15 months.

Julie Sweeney, aged 53 from Cheshire, pleaded guilty to sending a communication that threatened death or serious harm during her appearance at Chester Crown Court. Sweeney made her threatening remarks in response to a social media post that depicted individuals aiding in the repair of a mosque damaged during the islamophobic riots.

The court heard that Sweeney wrote, "It’s absolutely ridiculous. Don’t protect the mosque. Blow the mosque up with the adults in it." Her case was part of a broader legal response, as multiple individuals faced charges across England related to the riots. These included a man from Rotherham sentenced to prison for participating in a mob attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers, and another individual convicted for assaulting a police officer during a riot in Hull.

The Crown Prosecution Service reported that nearly 400 individuals have been charged in connection with the disorder. Staffordshire Police announced the arrest of six individuals, including a teenage boy, related to violent incidents in Stoke-on-Trent and Tamworth. Two men from Tamworth were also charged with violent disorder.

During the sentencing, Judge Stephen Everett characterized Sweeney's comments as a "truly terrible threat," emphasizing the need for accountability for inflammatory language online. Although her defense attorney noted Sweeney's remorse and her role as a primary caregiver, the judge stressed that individuals must recognize the serious consequences of their actions in social media discourse. In the aftermath, Cheshire Police reiterated that hateful online messages do not provide anonymity, emphasizing that offenders can and will be held accountable.