A plumber in Wales has been sentenced to two years in prison after posting inflammatory messages on Facebook in the wake of the alleged murders in Southport. Geraint Boyce, 43, of Tonyrefail, shared racist and anti-Islam posts, including “F*** Islam” and “Burn all the mosques down with all the b******* inside”. His actions were considered a “call to action” and intended to stir up religious hatred.
Boyce posted these messages following the death of three girls in Southport on July 29 and subsequent riots across the UK. During a sentencing hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, it was revealed that he also shared far-right rhetoric online, leading to an investigation based on a complaint made by the office of Buffy Williams MS for Rhondda.
The court heard that Boyce had a Facebook profile under the name “Boycie’s Plumbing” where he made illegal and threatening posts. These included comments such as “Send the b******* back” and sharing images with captions inciting violence against the Muslim community.
Prosecutor Alex Orndal highlighted some of Boyce’s posts, including one where he depicted a violent scene involving individuals in Islamic clothing being chased by a figure dressed in a Union Jack. Boyce’s messages conveyed a strong anti-Islam sentiment, calling for the burning of mosques and the expulsion of Muslims from the UK.
Despite pleading guilty to publishing threatening material intended to stir up religious hatred on social media, Boyce has a history of previous convictions for various offenses. In mitigation, his lawyer noted that Boyce regrets his actions and acknowledges the wrongness of his past views.
Sentencing Boyce to two years in prison, the Recorder of Cardiff, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke emphasized the seriousness of his actions in a time of social sensitivity. Boyce will serve half of his sentence in custody before being released on license to serve the remainder.
This case serves as a reminder of the repercussions of spreading hate speech and inciting violence on social media, especially in a delicate societal climate. The court’s decision underscores the importance of promoting tolerance and respect for all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs.