A 19-year-old man from Swansea, Alex Hutton, appeared before Winchester Crown Court on September 19, 2024, after pleading guilty to terrorism offences and a hate-motivated assault against a transgender victim. Hutton, who has a prior conviction under the Terrorism Act, was arrested in November 2023 after South Wales Police received reports about a video on his Instagram. In the video, he claimed to have kicked an unidentified person in the head while displaying far-right imagery.
Hutton has been sentenced to five years and four months in prison, followed by five years on license.
Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Williams, Head of Investigations at Counter Terrorism Policing Wales, stated, “We welcome the outcome of this case. Hutton, motivated by hate, engaged in a horrendous and unprovoked attack on a defenseless young girl in a Swansea park in May 2023. There is no doubt this attack will have lasting effects on her, and I hope today’s outcome provides some comfort.”
Williams highlighted Hutton’s intention to spread hate online, encouraging acts of terrorism. His actions were uncovered during a thorough investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing Wales, which ultimately led to the discovery of the assault.
Bethan David, Head of Counter Terrorism Division at the Crown Prosecution Service, remarked, “Hutton is not merely a fantasist; he is a dangerous young man. His unprovoked attack was driven by hate, posing a substantial risk to society. The CPS will always prosecute those who encourage terrorism and hate to protect the public.”
David emphasized the significance of the investigation, stating, “We are delighted with the outcome of this case, which involved a senseless, violent hate crime. We want to reassure the community that such behavior will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will be swiftly identified and prosecuted.”
In conclusion, the South Wales Police reiterated their commitment to ensuring Swansea remains a safe and welcoming multicultural city, emphasizing ongoing efforts to uphold community safety for all backgrounds.