A 53-year-old carer has been jailed for posting a threatening message targeting a mosque on Facebook. Julie Sweeney was sentenced to 15 months in prison at Chester Crown Court for writing, “Don’t protect the mosques, blow the mosque up with the adults in it,” on 3 August.
Sweeney, who has been caring for her husband since 2015 and had no prior court record, posted the threatening comment against a mosque in a local community Facebook group from her home in Church Lawton, Cheshire. A member of the group, which has 5,100 members, reported the post to the police, leading to Sweeney’s arrest. She told officers, “I’m not being rude, but there are a lot of people saying it.” She later pleaded guilty to sending a communication conveying a threat of death or serious harm.
Judge Steven Everett condemned Sweeney for her actions, stating, “You should have been looking at the news and media with horror like every right-minded person. Instead, you chose to take part in stirring up hatred.” He emphasised the responsibility that comes with having a large audience on social media. Sweeney admitted she posted the threatening comment targeting the mosque “in anger” and acknowledged it was “unacceptable,” expressing her intention to delete her Facebook account.
Defence lawyer John Keane described Sweeney’s life as “quiet” and “sheltered,” noting this was a first-time offence. He acknowledged the comment was “stupid” and emphasised it was a single comment made on a single day.
‘Keyboard warrior’ carer jailed for 15 months after ‘blow the mosque up’ Facebook post https://t.co/2mCAtb7pBb
— Sky News (@SkyNews) August 14, 2024
In related news, Connor Whiteley, 26, was jailed for three years for his involvement in “racist, hate-fuelled mob violence” in Hull on 3 August. Hull Crown Court heard that Whiteley assaulted a female police officer and participated in setting cars on fire and threatening staff at a garage. Judge Jeremy Richardson KC called the footage from the incident the “worst” he had seen.
Trevor Lloyd, 49, received a three-year prison sentence for his role in a mob that stormed a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham. He filmed the event and was part of a crowd that threw furniture and fire extinguishers at police officers. Glen Guest, 60, was jailed for two years and eight months for pulling a police officer to the ground during the same riot.
In Bristol, Dominic Capaldi, 34, and Daniel Russell, 47, were sentenced for their roles in violent disorder on 3 August. Capaldi received 34 months for throwing objects at police, while Russell was jailed for 32 months for kicking a black man during the unrest.
In another case, Habeeb Khan, 49, from Birmingham, denied charges of possessing an imitation AK-47 and sending a threatening communication. He is accused of posting a video on social media between 4-6 August, viewed 1.4 million times, threatening members of the English Defence League. Khan claimed he did not know the video was being circulated.
These sentences come as part of a broader effort to swiftly bring rioters to justice following recent violence and disorder across the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was Julie Sweeney jailed?
She posted a Facebook comment threatening a mosque, leading to a 15-month prison sentence.
What did Julie Sweeney say on Facebook?
She posted: ‘Don’t protect the mosques, blow the mosque up with the adults in it’.
What prompted the recent UK riots?
The riots followed the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport on 29 July.
How long was Connor Whiteley sentenced for?
Connor Whiteley was sentenced to three years in prison.
What was Trevor Lloyd’s involvement in the riots?
He filmed and participated in a mob storming a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham.
