UK Lucy Connolly to go FREE after outrage !

[CharlieH]

 

Lucy Connolly, 60, was jailed for 31 months for a tweet she posted on X following the Southport terror attack in which three children were killed.

 

Lucy Connolly, the woman imprisoned for inciting racial hatred following a tweet about the Southport terror attack, will be released today.

Connolly, married to Conservative councillor Raymond Connolly, received a 31-month sentence for her incendiary online post following the attack in which Axel Rudakubana murdered three children.

 

Her controversial tweet called for mass deportations with violent language, inciting outrage and amassing over 310,000 views in a few hours before it was deleted. She was found guilty of inciting racial hatred by publishing and distributing threatening material online. Her sentence in October last year sparked heated debate over free speech and whether the punishment fitted the crime.

 

The Prime Minister faced questions regarding Connolly's sentence, and whether it was a fair use of judicial resources. Sir Keir Starmer stood by the court's decision, stating that while the UK values free speech, incitement to violence cannot be tolerated. "Sentencing is a matter for our courts, and I celebrate the fact that we have independent courts in this country," he remarked. He added, "But I am equally against incitement to violence against other people."

 

Connolly's appeal against her sentence was rejected, sparking criticism from free speech advocates and public figures who deemed her imprisonment excessive. Lord Young of Acton, founder and director of the Free Speech Union, described her incarceration as a "national scandal," emphasizing the disparity in consequences faced by others who have made similar statements without legal action.

 

The incident underscores the ongoing debate over the balance between safeguarding free speech and addressing hate speech, as well as the consistency of legal repercussions for online comments. Connolly's case has been highlighted by some as an example of disproportionate punishment in comparison to other instances where public figures have avoided similar legal consequences.

 

Her release coincides with a development surrounding Axel Rudakubana, the Southport attacker, who regained certain privileges in prison after a violent encounter with a guard. This has further fueled public discourse on justice and the comparative punishments administered for different crimes.

 

As Connolly leaves prison, discussions about her case and the broader implications for free speech continue. The conversation remains focused on how society can both protect the right to express opinions and enforce measures against incitement to violence.

 

The outcomes of Connolly's case may have lasting effects on how similar cases are addressed in the future, potentially influencing legal frameworks and public opinion on the boundaries of acceptable speech.

 

Connolly's story also highlights the power and impact of social media in shaping public discourse and legal outcomes, as one tweet led to significant legal consequences and a broader discussion on freedom of expression.

 

As she steps back into her community, many will be watching to see how her release impacts ongoing debates about justice, free speech, and the responsibilities that come with digital communication.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2025-08-20

 

 

 

 

[Gsxrnz]

That's one political prisoner released, although maybe Alex Belfield also qualifies.

 

Thousands more are still banged up and the Stassi (formerly your local Bobby) have their sights on many more hurty-word terrorists.

 

I'm guessing the punishment for painting a roundabout circle with a red cross will be in the 3-5 year category.  I wish I was joking.