One of six people brought to court accused of posting racially offensive material on social media amid civil unrest and riots across the UK has had the criminal case against him dropped.
Gerard Glaister, 56, of Workington, was prosecuted early last month as Cumbria police put tough measures in place after reports circulated online of potential planned disorder in the county.
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.
The case had been sent to Carlisle Crown Court, where Mr Glaister appeared this morning.
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.”
Trial date for Megan Morrison
Megan Morrison, 26, of Mona Road, Salterbeck, also appeared at the crown court today.
She faces a charge which alleges that she published written material on Facebook which was threatening, abusive or insulting with the intent thereby to stir up racial hatred.
No plea has yet been entered by Morrison. Her case was adjourned and a trial date has previously been set for January 15.
Derek Heggie
Derek Heggie, 40, of Welsh Road, Carlisle, was due to have attended at Carlisle Crown Court remotely over a video link this afternoon.
He is alleged to have posted racially aggravated comments on a YouTube podcast between August 3 and August 7.
He did not attend court due to an administrative oversight, and his case was adjourned to Wednesday of next week. A trial date of December 2 has already been set.
Lee Murray
Lee Murray, 47, of Mitchell Avenue, Northside, Workington, also faces one charge. This alleges the displaying of racially aggravated online content, between July 25 and August 1, with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
He is next due to appear at the crown court on September 27, and a trial date of January 13 has been fixed in his case.
Men jailed
Two West Cumbrian men — Lee Dunn, 51, of Church Street, Egremont; and 31-year-old Billy Thompson, of Mill Street, Maryport — have previously been jailed for racially aggravated Facebook posts.
