David Vance SubstackRead More
You probably all know the back story, but just to remind everyone of the key details.
In August of last year, Ricky Jones, a then Labour Councillor, was filmed at an anti-racism rally in Walthamstow, London, following the Southport murders. He described far-right activists as “disgusting Nazi fascists” and made a controversial remark about “cutting their throats,” accompanied by a throat-slitting gesture.
This led to his suspension from the Labour Party and charges of encouraging violent disorder. A few days ago, he was acquitted at Snaresbrook Crown Court after a jury deliberated for just over 30 minutes, finding insufficient evidence of intent to incite violence.
So, just for clarity, a jury decided that calling for the cutting of throats is not deemed incitement to violence. It’s a remarkable conclusion but it does set a legal precedent. Lots of people are furious about this verdict and compare the lack of a custodial sentence to the three years handed out to Lucy Connolly for a spicy tweet.
But there is a difference.
Jones did not enter a plea of guilty. He claimed that he was innocent. He decided that he would wait for a jury trial and he got it. He also got a sympathetic Judge and Jury.
Lucy Connolly pleaded guilty and so the dynamic is different.
Of course it is unfair and morally unjust but since when did THAT have anything to do with Law?
Ricky Jones has escaped a jail sentence. Next week will see Lucy Connolly released. No one should be sent to prison for saying things that they clearly do not mean and which are the product of the heat of the moment. We need maximum free speech. All those who were arrested and given custodial sentences last Autumn should be set free.
Of course this would come too later for Peter Lynch. Do you remember him?
Peter was a 61-year-old father of four and grandfather of three, He lived in Wath-upon-Dearne, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, and worked in the packing industry until recently becoming unemployed. He had no prior criminal record but suffered from health issues, including diabetes, thyroid problems, angina, and a recent heart attack. Described by neighbors and family as a “kind man” and “fantastic brother-in-law,” Lynch was not considered inherently violent but was deeply affected by the Southport stabbings in July 2024, which killed three young girls and sparked nationwide unrest.
On August 4 last year, Lynch participated in a violent anti-immigration riot outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, Rotherham, which was housing approximately 240 asylum seekers. Lynch was at the forefront of a mob, filmed on body-worn police cameras shouting abusive and racist remarks, including “scum,” “child killers,” and “you are protecting people who are killing our kids and raping them” at police officers with riot shields. He held a placard accusing MPs, judges, the media, and police of corruption.
While he did not physically attack officers, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC noted that Lynch’s conduct encouraged others to behave violently, contributing to the mob’s aggression. Lynch pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Sheffield Crown Court. He was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison, one of over 60 men jailed for the Rotherham riots. The judge described him as a “full participant” who aimed to “rev up the situation,” despite his defense arguing his placard reflected a “general conspiracy theory” rather than specific intent.
Lynch committed suicide died on October 19, 2024, at HMP Moorland near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, while serving his sentence. He hanged himself.
Peter’s ‘offence ” was little different to that of Ricky Jones. But remember, the real difference is he pleaded GUILTY. That had a terrible consequence on the poor man and his family.
I blame Starmer, the Police and the Judiciary for creating the febrile atmosphere in the first place and encouraging suspects to plead guilty in order to secure a less severe sentence. Ricky Jones was savvy enough not to do this. And that helped him gain acquittal. It’s not fair, it is infuriating but now we know that urging a crowd of people to “cut the throats” of their opponents is not an offence in the UK. Our Judicial system is so corrupted.
