Julie Sweeney: Carer, 53, jailed over online threat to ‘blow up mosques’

A judge issued a stark warning to people inciting violence online as he sent to prison a ‘compassionate’ carer who had urged people to destroy mosques.

Julie Sweeney, 53, was described as a ‘kind’ middle-aged woman who lives a ‘quiet, sheltered’ lifestyle.

But on August 3, three days after anti-immigration riots erupted following the murder of three young girls in Southport, she posted on Facebook, next to a picture of members of the public cleaning up after protests: ‘It’s absolutely ridiculous.

‘Don’t protect the mosques. Blow the mosques up with the adults in it.’

Chester Crown Court heard the comment was sent to a local community group from her home in the village of Church Lawton, Cheshire.

Sweeney, with no previous convictions, told arresting officers: ‘I’m not being rude, but there are a lot of people saying it.’ Yesterday, she pleaded guilty to sending a communication to convey a threat of death or serious harm and was jailed for 15 months.

Judge Steven Everett, the Recorder of Chester, said: ‘I don’t think anyone is suggesting the defendant would have been involved in that herself, but so-called keyboard warriors like her have to learn to take responsibility for their language – particularly in the context of the disorder that was going on around the country.’ The court heard Sweeney had posted the comment ‘in anger’ and had ‘no intention to put people in fear’. But she conceded it was ‘unacceptable’ and said she would be ‘deleting Facebook’.

John Keane, defending, said: ‘She lives a quiet, sheltered life and has not troubled the courts in her long life. Her character references show she lives a kind and compassionate lifestyle. She has been primary carer for her husband since 2015.

‘This conduct is firmly out of character for her, and she has shown genuine remorse. This offence was committed on her computer in the safety of her home and unfortunately pressing “send” for her is going to have dire consequences.’

The judge said he took into account Sweeney’s previous good character and a ‘heart-rending letter’ from her husband.

But he went on: ‘In circumstances such as these, even people like you need to go to prison because a message must go out that, if you do these terrible acts, the court will say to you, “You must go to prison”.’

Sweeney’s sentence was handed out as Daniel Kingsley, 33, was warned he too was likely to be jailed for posting on Facebook several derogatory comments about immigrants and others in support of the riots. In one post relating to migrants coming into the UK via the Channel, the plasterer from Shotton in north Wales wrote: ‘Deflate the boats.’ Kingsley, who admitted stirring up racial hatred, will be sentenced today at Mold Crown Court.

Another man who live-streamed himself laughing, verbally abusing police officers and shouting, ‘f****** Muslim b*******’ and ‘Whose streets? Our streets’ on Facebook during the rioting in Sunderland are also behind bars.

Reece Greenwood, 31, ‘revelled in the mayhem’ on August 2, when a planned protest erupted with missiles being thrown at police, horses and dogs, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Omar Ahmad said: ‘He was heard in the footage laughing, seemingly in excitement and encouragement.’

Riley Adey, 19, who stood on top of a burnt-out car during the same riot, also appeared in the dock at the same hearing.

He broke down in tears as details of how he threw missiles, including a brick and scaffolding pole, at officers were relayed to the court. Both men admitted to violent disorder.

Builder Greenwood was jailed for two and a half years and Adey for two years.

Judge Paul Sloan KC said they had participated in an ‘orgy of mindless destruction’ and he added: ‘The two of you, together with others, brought shame upon the city of Sunderland.’

Others jailed yesterday included Glyn Guest, 60, who wept and cried ‘I can’t cope’ when he was sentenced to two years and eight months for pulling an officer to the ground and shoving riot shields as police tried to protect a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham on August 4.

Father-of-three Trevor Lloyd, 49, was also locked up for three years for smashing his way into the Holiday Inn on the same day.

The court heard he got involved in the violence only when he nipped out to go shopping. Warren Gilchrest, 52, pleaded guilty at Manchester Magistrates’ Court to violent disorder.

He made ‘numerous racist or racially aggravated comments’ during disorder in Manchester city centre and was heard shouting: ‘England, England, England – take it back.’

Gilchrest told District Judge Joanne Hirst: ‘I’m guilty, miss, but I’m not sure what it means.’ She said he had ‘shamed us all’.

Hundreds of people have been charged in connection with the riots, including 65 under-18s. Of those, 69 adults have been sentenced with all but five being sent to prison. The oldest charged is 69, and the youngest 12.