Two Men Jailed In UK For Inciting R@cial Hatred Online

Two men have been sentenced to a total of five years in jail for their role in writing Facebook messages inciting racial hatred and calling for violence against a hotel sheltering asylum seekers in Leeds during recent UK riots.

Jordan Parlour, 28, of Brooklands Close in Leeds, was sentenced to 20 months in prison after being accused with disseminating written material intended to incite racial hatred.

The allegations stemmed from Parlour’s Facebook posts targeting the Britannia Hotel in Seacroft, which provides temporary lodging for refugees and asylum seekers.

The highly circulated messages featured requests to destroy the hotel, as well as Parlour’s rage and disgust with the presence of refugee seekers in the UK.

In a second case, Tyler Kay, a corporate director, was sentenced to 38 months at Northampton Crown Court. Kay was found guilty of repeating anti-immigrant sentiments made by the wife of a Tory councillor, as well as boasting online that he would “categorically” avoid arrest.

His posts also featured appeals to action against immigration solicitors in Northampton and encouragement for organised protests. Prosecuting counsel Matthew Donkin described the consequences of their acts, stating that Britannia Hotel employees reported stones being hurled and glass being smashed between August 2 and August 3.

The prosecutor also linked the assaults to a larger outbreak of public disorder that swept through other UK towns, including Southport, Manchester, Hartlepool, Aldershot, and London.

During the trial, it was discovered that Parlour’s posts acquired a large number of likes and comments, which contributed to the propagation of hatred and violence.

When questioned online about his motivations, Parlour stated that he was angered by what he saw as asylum seekers receiving taxpayer funds that should be used for “hard-working people.”

He eventually revealed to authorities that his posts were motivated by “anger and frustration.” Judge Guy Kearl KC, the Recorder of Leeds, denounced Parlour’s acts, noting that his desire to encourage hatred and violence was “plainly evident.”

These phrases provide a clear message about the dangers of propagating hatred and inciting violence, especially against vulnerable populations such as asylum seekers.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli