05/09/24
Man who spread racial hatred online spared jail
A man who spread racial hatred online has been handed a suspended jail sentence.
Nathan Thompson, 25, from Newcastle, had previously admitted nine counts of inciting racial hatred and two malicious communications offences between April and July last year.
Using two accounts on Twitter, now known as X, he shared and reposted offensive, extreme right-wing messages about religious groups, ethnic minorities and the LGBTQ+ community, Newcastle Crown Court heard.
Thompson thanked Judge Julie Clemitson for giving him a chance, to which she replied: "Make sure you don't waste it."
Sentencing, Judge Clemiston told Thompson his posts celebrated Hitler, fascists and those who had committed terror attacks around the world.
She said: "Each homophobic, transphobic, Islamophobic, antisemitic, racist or fascist tweet fans the flames of division and hatred."
But she did not impose an immediate custodial sentence, saying Thompson had "borderline" learning difficulties and was isolated, spending a great deal of time in his bedroom on his computer.
The judge imposed a 16-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, with a series of requirements including that his use of the internet should be closely monitored by police or probation officers.
'Wholly inappropriate'
At a previous hearing, Gregg Stephens, defending, said: "He is a young lad who is quite isolated and socially vulnerable.
"He has mental health issues, doesn't mix with people and spends a lot of time on his computer.
"He has got himself connected to this right-wing stuff which you can find online."
Mr Stephens said what was posted went well beyond expressing free speech and Thompson, of Whickham View, now realised it was "wholly inappropriate".
"He doesn't necessarily believe in the things he has been putting online, he has been misguided, rather than someone who is a genuine danger," he added.
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