Tory Councillor Arrested Defending Colleague’s Free Speech
Discussion
something seriously wrong with the police on the face of it. Seems like they just can't help themselves at the moment - I suspect that when labout get in things could get worse (but that's a conversation for another day)
https://darntons.com/2023/08/28/read-tory-councill...
surely there's no justification for this legally?
https://darntons.com/2023/08/28/read-tory-councill...
surely there's no justification for this legally?
As a country we seem, with the best of inclusive intentions, to have got ourselves into an unintended and somewhat strange situation.
81% of the population of England identified as white British at the last census.
89% did not identify as LBGTQ+.
But if you were to gauge these percentages by counting the proportions of TV presenters or TV game show contestants in an average week, you could come to an entirely different conclusion.
81% of the population of England identified as white British at the last census.
89% did not identify as LBGTQ+.
But if you were to gauge these percentages by counting the proportions of TV presenters or TV game show contestants in an average week, you could come to an entirely different conclusion.
"Cllr Stevens, a member of Wellingborough Town Council, said he was informed by the officers that the original tweet he had shared had been posted by a member of far-right political party Britain First.
Cllr Stevens said he was unaware of this and had no idea who the party Britain First were."
The police were also curious about a tweet, shared by Cllr Stevens on his account of 76 followers, that showed footage of a man burning a copy of the Koran.
Cllr Stevens said his post was in line with his view that he agreed that burning a copy of the Koran was part of a person's 'right to free speech in a free society'.
Cllr Stevens said he understood that a local Labour Party member had reported him to the police.
He was informed that he was under arrest for a public order offence under section 19 of the Public Order Act 1986.
Cllr Stevens said he was unaware of this and had no idea who the party Britain First were."
The police were also curious about a tweet, shared by Cllr Stevens on his account of 76 followers, that showed footage of a man burning a copy of the Koran.
Cllr Stevens said his post was in line with his view that he agreed that burning a copy of the Koran was part of a person's 'right to free speech in a free society'.
Cllr Stevens said he understood that a local Labour Party member had reported him to the police.
He was informed that he was under arrest for a public order offence under section 19 of the Public Order Act 1986.
bigothunter said:
DodgyGeezer said:
Nibbles_bits said:
Someone reports something = Police investigate.
Whatever next
Someone reports the smell of burning = Fire and Rescue attend
not quite... police arrest. Something quite differentWhatever next
Someone reports the smell of burning = Fire and Rescue attend
From the information available, it seems as if Cllr Stevens holds deeply repugnant and offensive views and I couldn't disagree with what he has tweeted more strongly.
He has every right to post repugnant and offensive views and it appears from the reporting that the Police response was a massive - and probably unlawful - over-reaction
He has every right to post repugnant and offensive views and it appears from the reporting that the Police response was a massive - and probably unlawful - over-reaction
Nibbles_bits said:
"Cllr Stevens, a member of Wellingborough Town Council, said he was informed by the officers that the original tweet he had shared had been posted by a member of far-right political party Britain First.
Cllr Stevens said he was unaware of this and had no idea who the party Britain First were."
to be fair I call B/S on this. Cllr Stevens said he was unaware of this and had no idea who the party Britain First were."
Would I support people burning the Koran? No, nor would I support people burning the Union Flag or Stars and Stripes. That said as a point of free speech I'd support their right to do so (whilst distancing myself from that area, group or friendship circle)
Anywho I suspect this may get moved at some point so apologies in advance if I don't respond to questions
ClaphamGT3 said:
From the information available, it seems as if Cllr Stevens holds deeply repugnant and offensive views and I couldn't disagree with what he has tweeted more strongly.
He has every right to post repugnant and offensive views and it appears from the reporting that the Police response was a massive - and probably unlawful - over-reaction
It would appear that someone has made a report to the police about these Tweets. He has every right to post repugnant and offensive views and it appears from the reporting that the Police response was a massive - and probably unlawful - over-reaction
These Tweets, at this time, may amount to an offence -
Publishing or distributing written material.
(1)A person who publishes or distributes written material which is threatening, abusive or insulting is guilty of an offence if—
(a)he intends thereby to stir up racial hatred, or
(b)having regard to all the circumstances racial hatred is likely to be stirred up thereby.
(2)In proceedings for an offence under this section it is a defence for an accused who is not shown to have intended to stir up racial hatred to prove that he was not aware of the content of the material and did not suspect, and had no reason to suspect, that it was threatening, abusive or insulting.
(3)References in this Part to the publication or distribution of written material are to its publication or distribution to the public or a section of the public.
In which case, an arrest to prevent the loss or destruction of evidence and to allow a prompt and effective investigation would be very lawful.
Councillor posted on social media. His post was reported to police. Police look at it, speak to him, arrest him as in the initial stage of investigation it was deemed appropriate. Investigation continues and evidence gathered for assessment and CPS decision. Councillor remains under arrest ( he is not remanded so free to carry on with, perhaps, limitations) . Final decision will then be made and either charges dropped or proceed to court.
Seems like normal procedure.
Seems like normal procedure.
t - police arresting people for hurty tweets. What a joke. Most people can read those tweets and make their own judgement about how nutty the writers are.Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff