A suspended Labour councillor who told a rally that far-Right activists should have their throats cut has been cleared of encouraging violent disorder.
Ricky Jones, 58, was filmed speaking into a microphone at a Stand Up To Racism demonstration in London on August 7, 2024, just days after riots and protests erupted in the wake of the Southport murders.
The former Dartford councillor, who at the time was also a senior official for the Transport Salaried Staffs Association union, launched into a tirade against far-Right demonstrators. Drawing his finger across his throat in a slitting gesture, he declared:
“They are disgusting Nazi fascists. We need to cut all their throats and get rid of them all.”
The remarks went viral online and prompted a police investigation. Mr Jones admitted making the statement but denied it amounted to a criminal offence. On Friday, a jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court found him not guilty of encouraging violent disorder.
The verdict comes in stark contrast to the case of Lucy Connolly, who is serving a 31-month sentence over a tweet she posted in the aftermath of the Southport murders in August 2023. Her message, which was deleted shortly afterwards, was ruled by the court to be racially aggravated and likely to incite hatred.
Critics have questioned why Connolly is still behind bars while Mr Jones walks free, despite his graphic comments being captured on camera.
