Childminder Jailed for Inciting Racial Hatred After Southport Attack
Lucy Connolly, a childminder married to a Conservative councillor, was sentenced to 31 months in prison for inciting racial hatred online by calling for violence against asylum seekers. Her post followed a tragic knife attack in Southport that left three children dead and was viewed over 300,000 times. Despite expressing some regret, the court noted Connolly's limited understanding of the impact of her actions.
Lucy Connolly, a 41-year-old childminder and wife of Conservative councillor Raymond Connolly, was sentenced to 31 months in prison for inciting racial hatred online.
After a knife attack in Southport that resulted in the deaths of three children, Connolly posted a message on social media calling for hotels housing asylum seekers to be set on fire.
Her post, viewed 310,000 times before deletion, called for 'mass deportation' and was meant to stir racial hate.
Judge Melbourne Inman KC highlighted the volatile situation at the time, which her message exacerbated.
Despite expressing regret, Connolly showed little understanding of her actions' gravity.
Her husband, who serves on the West Northamptonshire council, has decided not to resign over the incident.
Connolly will serve 40% of her sentence in prison before release on licence.
The court session also addressed the case of Simon Orr, who was convicted of rioting related to post-Southport unrest, receiving six years and 17 weeks in jail.
After a knife attack in Southport that resulted in the deaths of three children, Connolly posted a message on social media calling for hotels housing asylum seekers to be set on fire.
Her post, viewed 310,000 times before deletion, called for 'mass deportation' and was meant to stir racial hate.
Judge Melbourne Inman KC highlighted the volatile situation at the time, which her message exacerbated.
Despite expressing regret, Connolly showed little understanding of her actions' gravity.
Her husband, who serves on the West Northamptonshire council, has decided not to resign over the incident.
Connolly will serve 40% of her sentence in prison before release on licence.
The court session also addressed the case of Simon Orr, who was convicted of rioting related to post-Southport unrest, receiving six years and 17 weeks in jail.
