Childminder Jailed for Inciting Racial Hatred After Southport Attacks
A childminder married to a Conservative councillor has been locked up for 31 months after posting a shocking social media message inciting racial hatred against asylum seekers.
Lucy Connolly’s Fiery Post Sparks Outrage
Lucy Connolly, 41, pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court to stirring up racial hatred. The wife of West Northamptonshire Conservative councillor Raymond Connolly, she tweeted a now-deleted message calling for hotels housing migrants to be set on fire following the Southport knife attacks.
Her tweet said: “Mass deportation now, set fire to all the fing hotels full of the b***s for all I care… If that makes me racist, so be it.”
The incendiary post was seen by over 310,000 people and came amid high tensions after false claims blamed Islamist migrants for the attacks, sparking nationwide unrest.
Judge Slams ‘Mindless Violence’ Fueled by Connolly’s Warning
Judge Melbourne Inman KC condemned Connolly’s actions, stating her words contributed to violent disorder. “You were well aware of how volatile the situation was,” he said. “That volatility led to serious disorder where mindless violence was used.”
He warned Connolly’s post encouraged activity that endangered lives.
Public Apology and Wider Debate on Hate Speech
Raymond Connolly, vice-chair of West Northamptonshire Council’s adult social care committee, attended court but did not comment.
Frank Ferguson from the Crown Prosecution Service declared: “It is an offence to incite racial hatred – and that is what Connolly has admitted doing.”
Connolly has since apologised, saying she acted “in a moment of extreme outrage and emotion” after receiving false information. She expressed regret and acknowledged the gravity of her post.
The case highlights the dangers of hate speech on social media, especially during national crises, and sends a clear warning to others spreading violence and hate online.
