Man jailed after posting offensive material online

A man from Solihull has been jailed after posting material online to stir up racial hatred as well as supporting a far-right banned terrorism group online.

Richard Osborne was sentenced to three year and 10 months for two counts of publishing material intended to provoke racial hatred and homophobia.

Between 2021 and January 2023, when he was arrested, Osborne had used social media to post material which strongly indicated his support of white supremacy and neo-Nazi views.

His property was searched by officers, a shotgun was found under a bed and he was charged with possession without a license. A baton was also found in his car which had been adapted from a metal bar. He was also charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

At a court appearance in May, he pleaded guilty to all offences.

Detective Superintendent Anastasia Miller, from CTP West Midlands CTU, said: “By pleading guilty, Osborne admitted he held extreme far right views and through our investigation we were able to provide clear evidence he supported white supremacists as well as a proscribed far right group banned by the Government.

“Someone who holds extreme views against those that don’t look like him or hold the same views is not welcome in our society. Today’s sentence should be a clear message to those who intend to spread hate and terror, we will continue to work with partners and the CPS to protect our communities by pursuing and prosecuting such individuals.

“We work tirelessly to counter terrorism. Our absolute priority is to ensure the safety and security of the people who live, work and visit the West Midlands area.”

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