Man sentenced for inciting racist hatred

A man from Leeds was sentenced on 1 March to two years imprisonment after producing stickers intended to stir up racial hatred.

Thirty-four-year-old Samuel Melia was found guilty in January of one offence under Section 19 of the Public Order Act, and one under Section 44 of the Serious Crime Act.

The former includes the publishing or distribution of material with the intention to stir up racial hatred and one offence under Section 44 of the Serious Crime Act – Encouraging others to commit an offence (racially aggravated criminal damage).

Counter Terrorism Policing North East charged the defendant in December 2022 after evidence showed he established and maintained a database of around 200 stickers, many of which were racist and anti-Semitic in nature. Through an encrypted social media channel, that had over 3,500 subscribers, he encouraged likeminded individuals to anonymously place the stickers throughout their local areas.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley is head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East. He said: “Evidence shows that large numbers of these stickers appeared here in the UK and a number abroad.

“These expressions of hate were an attempt to bring upset and stir up racial hatred. It is important to highlight however that our communities are strong and will not allow those who seek to disrupt them to succeed.

“Those that seek to bring hatred to our communities through actions such as stickering will be identified and brought to justice.”