It’s been about a year since the non-violent Southport protestors were arrested, prosecuted, and sentenced en masse.
It remains one of the most aggressive crackdowns on free speech in modern Britain.
So where are they now, a year on?
Here’s a look.
Thread 🧵
For clarity, it seems right to lay out how the Southport protestors' treatment by the police, CPS, and judiciary fundamentally differed from other cases.
Let's start with the evidence of "two-tier policing"...
In Whitehall, the Metropolian Police kettled and arbitrarily arrested protestors. One observer has since successfully sued them for unlawfully detaining him for 20.5 hours. He also claimed they arrested attendees before a dispersal order came into effect.
Compare this to the men of Middle Eastern ancestry who patrolled the streets of Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, in masks, visibly carrying weapons. There was no kettling, no arrests. Police even failed to conduct basic searches, despite carrying offensive weapons being a clear offence.
Then came the claims of “two-tier prosecuting”.
Unlike white working-class suspects, the CPS and police forces failed to charge and prosecute certain minorities for racially aggravated offences during the unrest.
In Middlesbrough, for example, the CPS did not charge Ameer Khalile with racially aggravated public disorder after he chased a man, stamped on his head, and shouted “white racist scum.”
Similar occurred in Birmingham with Amar Hussain after he assaulted a "far right" pub-goer.
Then we come to the allegations of “two-tier sentencing”.
Certain members of the judiciary gave non-violent protesters harsher sentences than violent Black Lives Matter (BLM) rioters in 2020.
Jonathan Daley, for example, drop-kicked a Metropolitan Police officer during civil unrest, pleaded guilty to violent disorder under the Public Order Act 1986, like many Southport protesters, but received a 20-month suspended sentence—meaning no jail time.
Judges also did not lecture BLM rioters on “diversity”, smear them as “bigots” in open court, or subjectively speculate on their intent or the effects of their actions to the extent that they did for the Southport protestors.
Now that some of that is covered. Let's start on the cases...
(I've written this in short hand so it's easier to wiz through).
1. Lucy Connolly - Childminder and Mother 41
Social media post stating she did not care if “asylum seeker” hotels were set alight on day of heinous murders.
Deleted tweet within 4 hours. No overt incitement—very different saying you do not care if violence occurs compared to directly calling for it.
Prosecuted under Section 19 of Public Order Act “intending to stirring up racial hatred”, carrying a maximum sentence of up to 7 years.
Held on remand before she entered plea. CPS published false comments about her saying she did “not like immigrants”, forced to correct statement on website.
Pleaded guilty for a reduced sentence in hope she return home to care for her husband reportedly suffering from blood cancer and daughter.
Sentenced to 31 months in prison by Judge Melbourne Inman KC. Lectured to about “diversity” during remarks.
To serve a reported 40%, which works out to over 12 months. Still in prison.
2. Peter Lynch - Packing Industry Worker 61
Attended protest-turned-riot in Rotherham outside “asylum seeker” hotel with homemade placard labelling politicians “corrupt”.
Shouted at police: “you are protecting people who are killing our kids and raping them”.
Most confrontational moment came when Lynch stood still as police advanced toward him, when struck with a riot shield, he pushed back, shouting “scum.”
Charged with violent disorder under Section 2 of the Public Order Act 1986, carries maximum sentence of 5 years. Pleaded guilty.
Sentenced to 32 months by Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, who called him a “full participant” in a riot where some set fire to hotel and he committed no material violence.
Committed suicide 2 months into his sentence. Suffered from diabetes, thyroid issues, angina and had recently had a heart attack bringing into question whether he was fit to serve custodial sentence in first place.
Would have likely been released in May 2026.
3. Jamie Michael - Former Royal Marine Commando and Father 45
Posted Facebook video encouraging those to “peacefully” assemble to protest mass immigration. One mention of a mosque. No incitement.
Prosecuted under Section 19 of Public Order Act “stirring up racial hatred”. Pleaded not guilty.
Claims he was aggressively handcuffed, threatened with possible 7 years' imprisonment, and denied right to phone call. Held on remand until initial hearing.
Enlisted help of Free Speech Union who then secured bail before trial. Jury took just 17 minutes to find him not guilty.
Lost a reported 30% of his business, “slandered” by the mainstream media, and suspended from driving a local school football team to matches, which he had done for three years.
4. Bernadette Spofforth - Businesswoman and Mother 55
Posted speculation about the then-Southport suspect, sharing name "Ali Al-Shakati" on social media.
Arrested on suspicion of breaking Section 19 of Public Order Act and under Section 179 of the Online Safety Act for false communications.
Again no incitement. No proof of intent. She even prefaced post with “If this is true”.
Held for a reported 36 hours before being released. CPS later confirmed there was insufficient evidence to proceed.
Spofforth says the ordeal left her shaken. Also said it left her reputation utterly destroyed.
Has reported ongoing legal case against police.
5. Daffron Williams - Veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan 41
Posted a series of apparent “anti-Islamic messages” on Facebook. Worst post included message: “I am racist as f***, only to those who sap the life out of society and disrespect culture. Our future as British is so uncertain it is unreal.”
Another post featured an AI image one of a child dressed as a medieval knight carrying sword next to lion. The caption read, "Time to wake up the lion to save our children's future". No overt incitement.
Prosecuted under Section 19 of the Public Order Act. Pleaded guilty. Held on remand since arrest.
Sentenced to 30 months in prison by Judge Tracy Lloyd-Clarke, with half to be served in prison and the other half out on licence.
Given dystopian-sounding diversity “education” module during his time at HMP Swansea.
Presumed to be still in prison.
6. Wayne O’Rourke - Social Media Influencer 35
Posted “anti-Muslim and anti-establishment rhetoric” on X. Worst post featured image of burning car in Sunderland during the unrest, with the caption: "Sunderland, go on lads".
Arguably closest to overt incitement.
Prosecuted under Section 19 of the Public Order Act “stirring up racial hatred”. Pleaded guilty after initially failing to enter plea. Believed to be held on remand since arrest.
Sentenced to 36 months in prison by Judge Catarina Sjolin Knight, who claimed he “instigated” violence despite there being no material evidence someone read his tweet and rioted.
Still in prison.
7. David Spring - Retired Train Driver 61
Attended protest in Whitehall on July 31st. Reports cite he swore at officers, “f**king w***er”, “c****”, and “who the f*** is Allah” but participated in no material violence.
Prosecuted contrary to Section 2 of Public Order Act 1986, maximum sentence of 5 years. Pleaded guilty. Not known whether held on remand.
Sentenced to 18 months by Judge Benedict Kelleher, despite need to care for wife with pneumonia, judge claimed he “encourage others to engage in disorder” without material proof.
Presumed to be still in prison (appears 18 month custodial sentence included guilty plea reduction).
8. Alex "Smith" (Pseudonym)
Attended same protest as David Spring in Whitehall. Participated in no violence or incitement but simply observed from the sidelines.
Arrested after police issued a dispersal order that mandates protestors leave a certain area at a certain time. No mainstream media reports on his arrest.
Detained for a reported 20.5 hours. Never charged or interviewed.
Since successfully sued the police for misconduct. Claims police started unlawfully arresting people before the dispersal order came into effect.
9. Tyler Kay - Former IT Worker and Father-of-Three 26
Posted on X in protest of Lucy Connolly’s arrest, repeated statements: “"Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f****** hotels full of the b****** for all i care… if that makes me racist, so be it".
Also advised others on avoiding police detection while protesting: “That’s 100% the plan, plus gloves. No car either so no number plates to travel and a change of clothes nearby.”
Also detailed time and location for an intended protest outside immigration solicitor’s office in Northampton, which didn’t materialise.
Prosecuted under Section 19 of Public Order Act, stirring up racial hatred. Held on remand since charge. Pleaded guilty.
Sentenced to 38 months by Judge Adrienne Lucking, who claimed he had “fundamentally racist mindset” despite Kay insisting he’s not racist. Sentenced just two days after arrest.
Still in prison (19 months to be served in prison, 19 out on license).
9. Tyler Kay - Former IT Worker and Father-of-Three 26
Posted on X in protest of Lucy Connolly’s arrest, repeated statements: “"Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f****** hotels full of the b****** for all i care… if that makes me racist, so be it".
Also advised others on avoiding police detection while protesting: “That’s 100% the plan, plus gloves. No car either so no number plates to travel and a change of clothes nearby.”
Also detailed time and location for an intended protest outside immigration solicitor’s office in Northampton, which didn’t materialise.
Prosecuted under Section 19 of Public Order Act, stirring up racial hatred. Held on remand since charge. Pleaded guilty.
Sentenced to 38 months by Judge Adrienne Lucking, who claimed he had “fundamentally racist mindset” despite Kay insisting he’s not racist. Sentenced just two days after arrest.
Still in prison (19 months to be served in prison, 19 out on license).
10. Julie Sweeney - Grandmother and Carer 53
Posted on Facebook group in response to image of people repairing mosque in Southport following criminal damage: "It’s absolutely ridiculous. Don’t protect the mosque. Blow the mosque up with the adults in it."
Constituted clear and overt incitement.
Curiously prosecuted under Section 181 of The Online Safety Act, “sending communications threatening death or serious harm” rather than Public Order Act. Pleaded guilty. Remanded in custody.
Sentenced to 15 months by Judge Steven Everett despite Julie having to care for her ill husband. Everett further claimed “she chose to take part in stirring up hatred” despite charge not covering stirring hatred.
Likely released if half of sentence was to be served in custody.
11. Cameron Bell - Care Worker 23
Livestreamed on TikTok after riot in Staffordshire where several masked men made “racist” remarks.
Apparently told members of group they should visit other areas effected by disorder (reports do not state she encouraged violence in those other areas). Participated in no violence.
Prosecuted for violent disorder under Section 2 of Public Order Act, carries maximum 5 year sentence. Pleaded guilty. Held on remand since arrest.
Sentenced to 9 months by Judge John Edwards, who claimed her comments “fanned the flames”, spoke of the “the need for deterrence being acute”, and referred to violence as “misplaced far-right sentiment”.
Released.
12. Mark Heath - Former Prison Officer 45
Repeated rumour that Southport suspect was an asylum seeker named “Ali Al Shakati” on X.
Also said the horrific murders constituted a “tipping point” and went on to write, “Those people now have blood on their hands, as they kept a dangerous killer in Britain." No incitement.
Prosecuted for stirring up racial hatred under Public Order Act. Pleaded not guilty. Allegations that authorities attempted to “coerce” him.
Held on remand. Attacked while in jail by men of middle-Eastern ancestry. Assumed by Mark they were members of a Muslim gang.
Found not guilty by a jury of his peers.
13. Derek Heggie - Former Boxer 41
Posted two videos on YouTube in which he made “grossly offensive comments” between 2nd and 8th August.
Included calling prophet Mohammad a “paedophile” and linked mass immigration to increased r*pe.
Prosecuted for sending communication of an offensive nature under the Malicious Communications Act 1988. Curious why not charged under Public Order Act like most protestors.
Initially pleaded not guilty but later reversed decision. Emerged that Derek has 32 prior convections including assaulting a police officer.
Judge Nicholas Barker sentenced him to 10 months in prison, claiming that Derek intended his post to have “broad reach, and to be read and heard by many”.
Barker also said “It is clear the messages were intended by you to be grossly offensive, particularly to those of the Muslim faith”.
40% of sentence was to be served by in custody. Released.
14. Bradley McCarthy - Father-of-Three 34
Attended protest on 3rd August in Bristol. Shouted in police dog’s face and “threatened” left wing protestors, goading them “to cross the police line” and breach the peace. No material violence.
First arrested then released before being re-arrested and prosecuted for violent disorder under Section 2 of Public Order Act. Remand status not known. Pleaded guilty.
Surfaced that Bradley had prior convictions for violence, weapons offences, and public order.
Judge Julian Lambert sentenced him to 20 months in prison, adding “you did all this in a tinderbox atmosphere where it only takes the actions of one person to spark very serious group violence”.
Likely still in prison.
15. Jordan Parlour 28
Posted on Facebook: "every man and his dog should smash [the] f*** out of Britannia hotel (in Leeds)" in early August.
Further accused “asylum seekers” of unfairly taking advantage of the tax raised by “hard-working people”.
Overt incitement but not specified against an ethnicity or religion.
Prosecuted for stirring up racial hatred under Public Order Act. Remand status before hearing not known. Pleaded guilty.
Sentenced three day later. Judge Guy Kearl KC handed him to 20 months in prison, with half to be served in custody.
During sentencing remarks, Judge Kearl also claimed that Jordan’s post circulated “widely” despite it being like by 6 people.
Likely released.
16. Christopher Taggart
Posted on Facebook 29th July and 6th August: Who's up for a rally?" When someone replied, asking "What's the rally all about?" He responded saying: "To get them gone. We don't want them."
Days later, he posted: “We don’t want them here. F*** em. They started we will end it. All of this wouldn’t have happened if they shut the boarders.”
Very little detail reported but nothing amounts to overt incitement.
Arrested at his home where police also found a knuckleduster.
Prosecuted for stirring up racial hatred under Section 19 of the Public Order Act and for possession of an offensive weapon in a private place. Pleaded guilty to both.
Sentenced to 32 months’ imprisonment. Still in prison.
If you want to double check any details yourself, full breakdown here with source links:
It appears British authorities have once again chosen to "cover up" the asylum seeker background of a suspected r*pist ...
The finer details about the case and why it spells trouble for Labour's plan.
Thread 🧵
Two reported Afghan asylum seekers have been charged over the alleged r*pe of a 12-year-old white girl, sending shockwaves through the small Midlands town of Nuneaton. The Mail on Sunday broke the story on Friday.
Ahmad Mulakhil, 23, stands accused of r*ping the underage girl, while a second man, Mohammad Kabir, also 23, has been charged with aiding and abetting r*pe, as well as strangulation and kidnap. The girl is now receiving specialist care.
He’s Keir Starmer’s Science Secretary—a rising figure in Labour’s front bench.
Turns out, he has quite a few skeletons in his closet.
Thread 🧵
Earlier today, Peter Kyle—the minister responsible for UK technology policy—did the media rounds promoting the government’s new age verification rules under the Online Safety Act.
These are the provisions now “age-gating” the internet, requiring users to hand over personal information to access what the state deems dangerous content.
When you step back and look at the events of the last week…
It’s not just that the British establishment is out of touch.
It’s that it increasingly seems like they hold so many of their own people in utter contempt.
Some would say we're a nation in pain.
Thread 🧵
The last few days have exposed some of the most disturbing responses yet from our political establishment and authorities—triggered by growing backlash over immigration, crime, the economy, and the erosion of free speech.
First, we had the protests in Epping, Essex, where a recently arrived Ethiopian “asylum seeker” allegedly sexually assaulted a teenage girl.
What we do know: the UK government secretly ushered in thousands of foreigners—into hotels and military bases—after a devastating MoD leak.
The most scandalous details...
Thread 🧵
To recap, in 2022, a Ministry of Defence (MoD) official accidentally leaked data identifying Afghan asylum applicants.
Everybody freaked, worried hostile actors would get wind. In response, the government and courts effectively suspended democracy for nearly 2 years.
Now, the government’s successful suppression of the leak—and its far-reaching fallout—would not have been possible without the cooperation of the judiciary.