A Carlisle man accused of posting video content on social media with intent to stir up racial hatred has pleaded not guilty to the allegation.
Police said Brandon Watson, 25, was charged following an incident said to have taken place on the city’s English Street last Thursday afternoon, April 30.
Watson appeared at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court this morning remotely over a video link.
During a short hearing in front of a district judge, he formally pleaded not guilty to one charge.
This charge alleges that he distributed a recording of visual images which were threatening, abusive or insulting — intending to stir up racial hatred; or, having regard to all the circumstances, whereby racial hatred was likely to be stirred up.
Watson is alleged to have committed the offence between April 1 and April 30 this year.
Giving a brief outline of the charge, prosecutor Diane Jackson alleged that several video clips had been posted by Watson on a social media platform.
After hearing details of the allegation, district judge Philip Holden sent Watson’s case to Carlisle Crown Court.
Watson, of Housesteads Road, Carlisle, is due to appear in front of a judge for a plea and trial preparation hearing on June 1.
On that date, Watson will also face a second, separate charge.
This alleges that he unlawfully and maliciously wounded a man inside a Carlisle takeaway, on January 25 this year, with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.
Watson is alleged by the prosecution to have punched a man who is said to have suffered facial fractures.
Until that next crown court hearing, Watson has been remanded in custody.
As today’s hearing concluded, Watson spoke to the district judge, saying: “I am not racist.”
