Merseyside Man Jailed for Abusive Emails Over Bristol Edward Colston Statue Topple
A 72-year-old from Merseyside has been sentenced after bombarding Bristol’s Mayor with abusive emails following the dramatic toppling of the Edward Colston statue last year.
72-Year-Old Sent Six Threatening Emails to Bristol Mayor
Fleetwood Spence, from Irby, sent six aggressive emails to Mayor Marvin Rees on 8 June 2020 – the day after protesters pulled down the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol city centre.
Colston, a 1700s slave trader, became a target during Black Lives Matter protests. The statue’s removal sparked national debate, with Mayor Rees calling it “an affront” but stopped short of condoning criminal damage.
Abusive Emails Traced and Confronted by Police
- The emails came from multiple anonymous Guerilla Mail addresses but were sent from a single IP address.
- Avon and Somerset Police traced the messages back and referred the case to Merseyside Police.
- Officers visited Spence’s home on 12 August 2020. He initially dismissed the emails as non-offensive.
- During an interview on 20 August, Spence admitted sending the emails, blaming his actions partly on alcohol.
- He said he feared protesters might target other statues, like Winston Churchill’s.
Legal Consequences: Curfew and Fines for Spence
On 11 January 2021, Liverpool Magistrates’ Court found Spence guilty of sending malicious communications. He received a 24-week curfew from 7pm to 7am, plus £85 in costs and a £95 victim surcharge.
“The emails Mr Spence sent on that night were grossly offensive and very aggressive,” said CPS Associate Prosecutor Andrew Page.
“Drinking is no excuse. Mr Spence targeted a public official who did not condone the toppling. He crossed the line into criminality and has paid the price.”
“This case is a warning to anyone who thinks their keyboards are shields for hate and threats.”
