Lucy Connolly, the wife of a former Tory councillor, is facing a tense wait to learn if her appeal against a 31-month jail sentence will be successful, after she was imprisoned for posting an incendiary tweet about migrant hotels.
The 41-year-old mother of three from Northampton admitted inciting racial hatred after posting the now-deleted message on X (formerly Twitter) in July 2024, during national unrest sparked by the fatal stabbing of three girls in Southport.
Connolly’s post read:
“Mass deportation now, set fire to all the fing hotels full of the bds for all I care… if that makes me racist, so be it.”
The former childminder gave evidence via video link from HMP Drake Hall, saying she had posted the message while “really angry, really upset” and “distressed that those children had died.” She insisted she never intended to encourage violence and removed the post once she had calmed down.
Court Reserves Judgment
The appeal hearing took place this week, with judges choosing to reserve their decision to a later date. No timeline for a ruling has been confirmed.
Connolly’s husband Raymond Connolly, who recently lost his West Northamptonshire district council seat but remains a town councillor, expressed hope for a favourable outcome. Speaking outside court, he said:
“I’m hoping this will come to a positive conclusion.”
Background and Reactions
Connolly was sentenced to 31 months in prison in October 2024, following a national investigation into online hate speech during widespread riots. Her comments were condemned as inflammatory and dangerous, with prosecutors arguing they risked encouraging real-world violence.
She is one of several individuals prosecuted under UK hate speech laws, as authorities crack down on online incitement amid concerns over rising far-right rhetoric.
