British woman sentenced for inciting violence against a mosque on Facebook following Southport unrest

Julie Sweeney, a 53-year-old woman from Church Lawton, Cheshire, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for posting threatening comments on Facebook. Sweeney pleaded guilty to sending communications that ‘threaten death or serious harm’, after posting a comment suggesting mosques should be blown up with adults inside. The comment was made in response to riots following the stabbing of three girls in Southport. Sweeney’s defense lawyer stated that this was a one-time incident and that she has lived a quiet life caring for her husband. Police have emphasized they will not tolerate such behavior and will hold individuals accountable for online threats. The unrest in various cities and towns in England and Northern Ireland was fueled by false information online, leading to violent behavior. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to deliver swift justice to deter future violence and police have indicated that arrests will continue for months. The high visibility of prosecutions, with some sentencings being televised, is an effort to show the public the criminal justice system’s strong response to such behavior. Overall, the case illustrates the serious consequences of making threats online, and the determination of law enforcement to address such behavior.

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