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

 

 

 

 

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. 

Great to see this political prisoner released. 

 

Never should have spent a single day in jail. 

 

We are living in a very dark period in terms of freedom of speech in the UK. A right winger speaking out against the government's failed immigration policy faces the very real risk of jail time. I hope Lucy and her daughter can get over this disgusting injustice. 

 

1 hour ago, CharlieH said:

He added, "But I am equally against incitement to violence against other people."

 

 

Unless it's your boy Ricky Jones, right 2 Tier? Been very quiet on that one. 

 

Good to see her out. 

 

2 hours ago, CharlieH said:

Sir Keir Starmer stood by the court's decision, stating that while the UK values free speech, incitement to violence cannot be tolerated.

 

You sure 'bout dat?

 

https://news.sky.com/story/ricky-jones-suspended-labour-councillor-who-called-for-protesters-throats-to-be-cut-at-rally-not-guilty-of-encouraging-violent-disorder-13412060

 

22 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Great to see this political prisoner released. 

 

Never should have spent a single day in jail. 

 

We are living in a very dark period in terms of freedom of speech in the UK. A right winger speaking out against the government's failed immigration policy faces the very real risk of jail time. I hope Lucy and her daughter can get over this disgusting injustice. 

 

 

Unless it's your boy Ricky Jones, right 2 Tier? Been very quiet on that one. 

 

Jonny misrepresents facts… again.

 

 

10 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

You sure 'bout dat?

 

https://news.sky.com/story/ricky-jones-suspended-labour-councillor-who-called-for-protesters-throats-to-be-cut-at-rally-not-guilty-of-encouraging-violent-disorder-13412060

 

Ricky Jones was acquitted by a jury in an open court of law.

 

 A jury verdict of not guilty is not guilty.

 

You should try to come to terms with that fact.

1 minute ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Ricky Jones was acquitted by a jury in an open court of law.

 

 A jury verdict of not guilty is not guilty.

 

You should try to come to terms with that fact.

 

You're the type of person that would have been demanding the execution of the Central Park 5. 

 

Jurys often get it wrong. As they (predictably) did in the Ricky Jones case. Careful selection of jurors, "careful" instruction by the judge etc.  

 

The video is on YouTube if you wish to see what he actually said and the context in which he said it. 

 

The Connolly political prisoner case will be a stain on Labour for years to come. I hope she finally gets a decent lawyer and proceeds to tear them all a new one now that she has been released.

 

Britain has had enough of Labour and their 2 tier approach to governance. 

1 minute ago, JonnyF said:

 

You're the type of person that would have been demanding the execution of the Central Park 5. 

 

Jurys often get it wrong. As they (predictably) did in the Ricky Jones case. Careful selection of jurors, "careful" instruction by the judge etc.  

 

The video is on YouTube if you wish to see what he actually said and the context in which he said it. 

 

The Connolly political prisoner case will be a stain on Labour for years to come. I hope she finally gets a decent lawyer and proceeds to tear them all a new one now that she has been released.

 

Britain has had enough of Labour and their 2 tier approach to governance. 

 

Once again you open with an assumption of my views on a matter I have never discussed.

 

Let me explain the obvious for you Jonny.

 

When imagine points of view to disagree with your are disagreeing with your own imagination. I don’t think that’s particularly healthy.

10 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Ricky Jones was acquitted by a jury in an open court of law.

 

 A jury verdict of not guilty is not guilty.

 

You should try to come to terms with that fact.

You are over simplifying the whole issue, listen to an expert.......

 

 

Surely if there really was "two-tier" justice in the UK, she wouldn't have been released after serving only 40% of her sentence?! 🤔🙄

7 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

 

Once again you open with an assumption of my views on a matter I have never discussed.

 

Let me explain the obvious for you Jonny.

 

When imagine points of view to disagree with your are disagreeing with your own imagination. I don’t think that’s particularly healthy.

 

So you agree that jurys often reach an incorrect verdict then.

 

Especially when decks are stacked and pressure is applied.

 

Glad we agree. 

2 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Surely if there really was "two-tier" justice in the UK, she wouldn't have been released after serving only 40% of her sentence?! 🤔🙄

 

If there wasn't 2 tier justice she wouldn't have served a single day.

6 minutes ago, mikeymike100 said:

You are over simplifying the whole issue, listen to an expert.......

 

 

If you’ve got a point to make, then make it.

 

Or are all your opinions gift wrapped for you?

 

7 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

So you agree that jurys often reach an incorrect verdict then.

 

Especially when decks are stacked and pressure is applied.

 

Glad we agree. 

Juries do sometimes make mistakes.

 

That’s that appeals are for.

 

But also acquittal is the end of case, and for the very good reason of negating the hounding of people found not guilty.

 

You know, the kind of thing you are engaging in.

 

Over 800 years of trial by jury in open courts under common law, Jonny’s not happy because he didn’t get the result he had already decided on before the trial.

 

Coming to terms with the verdict would be a healthier choice.

Looks very fishy this for 2 tier Kier.

 

Conservative councilors wife sentenced to prison, Labour councilor walks free. 

 

 

Just now, sungod said:

Looks very fishy this for 2 tier Kier.

 

Conservative councilors wife sentenced to prison, Labour councilor walks free. 

 

 

Connolly appealed her sentence.

 

The court of appeal upheld it.

 

Nothing at all fishy about being given justice after appeal.

 

1 minute ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Connolly appealed her sentence.

 

The court of appeal upheld it.

 

Nothing at all fishy about being given justice after appeal.

 

 

Not in your parallel universe at least. 

1 minute ago, sungod said:

Looks very fishy this for 2 tier Kier.

 

Conservative councilors wife sentenced to prison, Labour councilor walks free. 

 

 

 

Nothing to do with the PM.  Connolly pleaded guilty and her sentence was upheld on appeal.  The Labour man took his chance in court and was found not guilty.

 

"Two-tier Kier" is a catchy slogan but bears no resemblance to reality.

2 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Over 800 years of trial by jury in open courts under common law, Jonny’s not happy because he didn’t get the result he had already decided on before the trial.

 

When I see a video of someone stood in front of a crowd, running a finger across his throat and demanding that people's throats are slit, it is somewhat disturbing when they are found not guilty of inciting violence. 

 

Well, when I say unusual, I mean anywhere other than 2 tier Britain. 

2 minutes ago, sungod said:

 

Not in your parallel universe at least. 

Cut the garbage, she was granted an appeal FACT

 

She lost the appeal FACT

 

Her sentence was upheld on appeal FACT.

 

All of which happened in this reality based universe FACT.

2 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

 

Nothing to do with the PM.  Connolly pleaded guilty and her sentence was upheld on appeal.  The Labour man took his chance in court and was found not guilty.

 

"Two-tier Kier" is a catchy slogan but bears no resemblance to reality.

 

So 2 tier kier (free gear Kier is quite catchy too) had nothing to do with steamrolling protesters through courts and locking them up last summer?

 

The Labour government had nothing to do with that? 

3 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

 

Nothing to do with the PM.  Connolly pleaded guilty and her sentence was upheld on appeal.  The Labour man took his chance in court and was found not guilty.

 

"Two-tier Kier" is a catchy slogan but bears no resemblance to reality.

 

Except that the home office had declared them criminals before they were even charged.

 

3 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

When I see a video of someone stood in front of a crowd, running a finger across his throat and demanding that people's throats are slit, it is somewhat disturbing when they are found not guilty of inciting violence. 

 

Well, when I say unusual, I mean anywhere other than 2 tier Britain. 

The jury saw the evidence, heard the testimonies, heard the prosecution arguments, heard the defense’s arguments.

 

Deliberated on the matter and handed down an acquittal.

It’s not difficult to grasp.

Just now, Chomper Higgot said:

Cut the garbage, she was granted an appeal FACT

 

She lost the appeal FACT

 

Her sentence was upheld on appeal FACT.

 

All of which happened in this reality based universe FACT.

 

Ricky Jones encouraging throats to be cut- FACT

 

Even the media are making comparisons and asking questions.

3 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

Except that the home office had declared them criminals before they were even charged.

 

Do you agree criminals must face the full force of the law?

Just now, Chomper Higgot said:

The jury saw the evidence, heard the testimonies, heard the prosecution arguments, heard the defense’s arguments.

 

Deliberated on the matter and handed down an acquittal.

It’s not difficult to grasp.

 

What do you think, its OK for people to encourage others to cut other peoples throats?

 

Simple yes or no will do in this one. 

Just now, sungod said:

 

Ricky Jones encouraging throats to be cut- FACT

 

Even the media are making comparisons and asking questions.

No he was acquitted by a Jury in an open court of law. FACT

 

Just now, sungod said:

 

What do you think, its OK for people to encourage others to cut other peoples throats?

 

Simple yes or no will do in this one. 

No I don’t.

 

I expect the police to investigate allegations of such behavior, prosecute such behavior and a Jury in an open court to determine if the alleged crime was indeed committed

 

1 minute ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Do you agree criminals must face the full force of the law?

 

After conviction? Yes.

 

I do not believe the government should be declaring it's citizens criminals before they are even charged. That's like something from Stalin's Soviet Union. 

 

Ever heard of due process?