Carer Jailed for Threatening Mosque
- Julie Sweeney, a carer from Cheshire, was sentenced to 15 months in jail for sending a threatening message on Facebook.
- The judge emphasized the need for accountability for inflammatory language, especially in the midst of recent disorder.
- Keyboard warriors like Julie Sweeney must be held responsible for their actions.
A 53-year-old carer, Julie Sweeney, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison after posting a threatening comment on Facebook regarding mosques. The post, made on August 3, stated, "Don't protect the mosques, blow the mosque up with the adults in it." Sweeney later admitted to sending a communication that conveyed a threat of death or serious harm, claiming she acted out of anger and had no intention to instill fear. She acknowledged the inappropriateness of her comment and announced plans to delete her Facebook account. In a related series of events, Connor Whiteley, 26, was sentenced to three years in prison for his involvement in violent, racially charged mob actions in Hull on the same day. Whiteley played a significant role in a confrontation with police while attempting to attack a hotel housing asylum seekers. His actions were part of a broader pattern of unrest, as evidenced by the violent incidents occurring across the country. Additionally, Trevor Lloyd, 49, received a three-year sentence for his participation in a similar mob attack on an asylum seeker hotel in Rotherham, where police faced significant violence, resulting in injuries to over 50 officers. Other individuals, including Dominic Capaldi and Daniel Russell, were also sentenced for their roles in violent disorder in Bristol on the same day. Judge Steven Everett emphasized the need for accountability among individuals who make inflammatory statements online, particularly in the context of ongoing national unrest.