Man sentenced for racist Facebook posts

A man from Castleford has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for posting antisemitic racist comments on Facebook.

On 19 April, Neil Lloyd pleaded guilty at Leeds Crown Court to publishing written material, namely Facebook posts, which were threatening, abusive or insulting, and in so doing intended to stir up racial hatred, or having regard to all the circumstances racial hatred is likely to be stirred up (contrary to section 19 of the Public Order Act 1968).

On October 20, 2023, West Yorkshire Police acted on information that Neil Lloyd was posting deeply offensive, and harmful, antisemitic content and threats on Facebook. The account was identifiable by his name and profile picture.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley is the Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North -East. He said: “The quick response of local officers from West Yorkshire Police is commendable.

“We routinely work together with local policing in order to swiftly apprehend and prosecute those demonstrating racist and disgusting views.

“I would urge the public to report any concerning online material that they come across to the national Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU) hosted by Counter Terrorism Policing.

“This unit contains specialist officers who assess online material to determine its nature and whether it breaches any legislation, requires further investigation, or highlights any further concerns."