Trial dates have been set by a judge in the court proceedings of two men who stand accused of posting offensive racially-motivated content online.
Both taxi driver Gerard Glaister, 56, and title-winning bare knuckle fighter Derek Heggie, 40, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court this morning, separately, having previously attended magistrates’ court hearings late last week.
They spoke to confirm their names and dates of birth, and each face one charge.
Glaister, of Hartington Street, Workington, stands accused of displaying Islamophobic and homophobic content on his Facebook profile.
Heggie, of Welsh Road, Carlisle, is alleged to have posted racially aggravated comments on a YouTube podcast between 3rd and 7th August.
No pleas were formally entered by either man during their respective court hearings today in front of Judge Nicholas Barker. Both men have so far indicated not guilty pleas.
They are due to formally enter their pleas at separate crown court hearings on September 13.
Glaister’s case was listed for trial in front of a jury. This is due to start on December 11 with a time estimate of two to three days.
He has been granted bail in the meantime. One condition of his bail prohibits him from posting anything on the internet or on social media.
Heggie’s trial, meanwhile, is due to get under way on December 2. He remains remanded in custody. An application for bail was today refused by Judge Barker.
On September 13 2024, Mr Glaister had his case dropped.
Mr Glaister had faced one charge brought under the Malicious Communications Act 1988. This alleged that he had displayed — on his Facebook page — content which court papers said was “of an indecent or grossly offensive nature for the purpose of causing distress or anxiety”.
In an address to Judge Nicholas Barker, prosecutor Tim Evans said the prosecution had, following a review of the case, taken the view that it was not in the public interest to proceed. As a result, the case against Mr Glaister was being discontinued.
That decision was formally conveyed to Mr Glaister by Judge Barker, who concluded it had been quite proper for police to have taken action in the county early last month during a period of great sensitivity.
It had not been necessary, said the judge, for the prosecution to proceed with the case, meaning that Mr Glaister faces no further action.
“You are now very much on the police’s radar,” said Judge Barker as he issued advice about any online use going forward. “You will understand that posting material on the internet, whether that is on your social media or your platforms can — and does — constitute criminal offences and can have serious repercussions, and you should take great care in future.”
