Isaac Ashe
BBC News, East Midlands
Giles Taylor
BBC News, Nottingham
John England, a 45-year-old self-employed electrician from Mansfield, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison after pleading guilty to stirring up racial hatred. England’s Facebook posts, made between July 30 and August 7, included an inflammatory message suggesting that a hotel in Nottinghamshire should be targeted and set alight by “great English men,” referencing an earlier hotel fire in Rotherham.
During his arrest by Nottinghamshire Police, England admitted to making the posts and claimed they were intended as dark humor. However, the posts, which included images of hooded individuals and violent language, were found to have incited racial hatred and promoted violence. One post even contained the phrase, “If only I had an uzi 9mm,” further highlighting the disturbing nature of his comments.
In his interview with authorities, England, who has a history of criminal offenses, expressed remorse for his actions but insisted that if the hotel had been burned down, it would have taught the owners a lesson. His daughter reportedly found the posts offensive, and he admitted he was aware they could be viewed as racist.
At Nottingham Crown Court, Judge Nirmal Shant KC noted the context of England’s offenses, stressing that his posts contributed to a climate of nationwide disorder. The judge emphasized that England’s intention was to incite severe violence, endangering lives. England was sentenced to 20 months in jail, with the possibility of release after serving half the sentence.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Lefford from Nottinghamshire Police stated that the conviction was intended to send a clear message against online hate speech and incitement to violence.
