A former taxi driver, Andrew McIntyre, 39, from Rufford near Ormskirk, Lancashire, has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for inciting violent disorder through social media. The sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court follows a series of racially motivated online posts that acted as a catalyst for violent unrest in Southport last summer.
Incitement of Violence and Racial Hatred
McIntyre set up a Telegram channel, “Southport Wake Up,” in the wake of a knife attack during a children’s dance class on 29 July. The channel was identified as a hub for spreading misinformation and encouraging violent gatherings. Prosecutors described McIntyre’s actions as a “sinister” attempt to organise violence, targeting police, local mosques, and immigration centres.
In one post before a protest on 30 July, McIntyre wrote:
Rise Up English Lads. 8pm tomorrow St Luke’s Rd Southport.
Shortly before the violence erupted, he issued a direct threat to law enforcement, stating:
Stand in our way, even if you’re just doing your job … prepare to fall.
The court heard that his inflammatory posts spurred others to participate in the unrest, with one user responding:
We’ll get to the mosque and rip it f***** down.
Evidence and Arrest
McIntyre’s involvement was further substantiated by phone location data and CCTV evidence placing him at the scene of the violence. When arrested on 8 August, police discovered a knife hidden in his vehicle. A search of his home revealed additional weapons and a copy of Hitler’s Mein Kampf.
Judge Neil Flewitt KC condemned McIntyre’s actions, saying:
Your conduct was motivated by racial hatred and aggravated by the encouragement of violent disorder and criminal damage.
The judge added that McIntyre’s refusal to provide his phone PIN suggested he was aware of further incriminating evidence.
Impact on the Community
The violence linked to McIntyre’s posts highlighted the broader issue of organised hate-fuelled unrest in the UK. Arthur Gibson, prosecuting, stated:
These incidents were not spontaneous but part of a coordinated effort to incite violence.
The anti-extremism group Hope Not Hate identified McIntyre’s Telegram channel as a significant source of escalating tensions, spreading racially charged content and targeting vulnerable communities.
Character References and Defence
McIntyre, previously of good character, had no prior criminal record. His lawyer, Julian Nutter, presented letters from his parents and a family friend as character references, arguing that the defendant’s behaviour was uncharacteristic. However, the court found the evidence against him overwhelming.
Conclusion
This case underscores the dangers of using social media to spread hate and incite violence. The judge’s decision sends a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated, reflecting the UK’s commitment to addressing extremism and safeguarding communities.
