A 61-year-old man from Castleford in West Yorkshire has today (Friday, May 24, 2024) been given a 15 month custodial sentence at Leeds Crown Court for posting antisemitic racist comments on Facebook.
Neil LLOYD (08/061962) of St Andrews Road, Castleford pleaded guilty at Leeds Crown Court on Friday, April 19 to the following:
- Between October, 14 (2023) and 19 October, 19 (2023) published written material, namely Facebook posts, which were threatening, abusive or insulting, and in so doing intended to stir up racial hatred, or having regard to all the circumstances racial hatred is likely to be stirred up (contrary to section 19 of the Public Order Act 1968)
On October 20, 2023, West Yorkshire Police acted on information that that Neil Lloyd was posting deeply offensive, and harmful, antisemitic content and threats on Facebook. The account was identifiable by his name and profile picture.
Lloyd was promptly arrested from his home address by local police on the same day. Within the property items associated with his antisemitic views were recognisable.
Lloyd was interviewed by police and admitted that the offending Facebook profile and posts were his. He also admitted that the items at his home address were his and had been collected over the years.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley is the Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North -East. He said:
“The quick response of local officers from West Yorkshire Police is commendable.
“We routinely work together with local policing in order to swiftly apprehend and prosecute those demonstrating racist and disgusting views.
“I would urge the public to report any concerning online material that they come across to the national Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU) hosted by Counter Terrorism Policing.
“This unit contains specialist officers who assess online material to determine its nature and whether it breaches any legislation, requires further investigation, or highlights any further concerns.
“If any extremist content is identified, then the unit takes steps to get it removed by the host website or platform.
“I’d appeal to anyone who comes across any terrorist or extremist material online to report it to police at www.gov.uk/report-terrorism.“