A Worthing man has been sentenced to 14 weeks in prison after being found guilty of publishing malicious communications in connection with a planned event in Brighton. The incident highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to monitor and address %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_0%% activity in the region.
The preparations by Sussex Police included the careful monitoring and review of substantial online information, which led to the discovery of a concerning %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_1%% post on Tuesday, 6 August. The post contained several references to %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_2%% linked to the proposed event scheduled for Wednesday, 7 August.
%%UKNIP_ANCHOR_3%%, two men from Worthing, aged 42 and 45, were arrested. Joseph Clark, 45, of Hayling Rise, Worthing, was subsequently charged with %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_4%% an offensive message via a public communication network. He appeared at %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_5%% Magistrates' Court on Friday, 9 August, where he was found guilty and sentenced to 14 weeks in prison. In addition to the custodial sentence, Clark was ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge. The 42-year-old %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_6%% alongside Clark was released without further action.
Assistant Chief Constable Paul %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_7%% commented on the case, stating, "This custodial sentence should send a clear message to anyone involved in disorder – either online or on the streets – that they will swiftly face the full force of the law.
"The recent unrest seen %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_8%% the country has been fuelled by threatening, abusive online messages. Those messages have real-world consequences, and those who send them cannot %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_9%% their keyboards."
Sussex %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_10%% to ongoing preparations for reports of planned events across the county, assuring the public that they will continue to engage with communities and maintain a visible, reassuring presence.
Residents are encouraged to report any concerns to %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_11%% online or via 101, quoting Operation Skylark.
