Judge to decide on councillor’s offensive social media post
A judge is set to decide whether a suspended Reform UK councillor’s social media post suggesting Nigerians be melted down to fill potholes was a criminal offence, reports BritPanorama.
Sunderland City councillor Glenn Gibbins, 66, denies posting a grossly offensive message on Facebook in March 2024, prior to his election. Gibbins was suspended by Reform after allegations surfaced he had complained on social media about the “amount of Nigerians in town” and later posted: “Should melt them all down and fill in the pot holes!!” before deleting the comment.
During proceedings at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court earlier this year, District Judge Zoe Passfield clarified the matter, stating: “The issue is very straightforward, was the message offensive, which Mr Gibbins agrees it was, or was it grossly offensive?”
Addressing the balance between the freedom of expression and public decency, the judge further inquired: “Was it sufficiently offensive to override his Article 10 rights?”
Northumbria Police launched an investigation following the emergence of the post in May. A trial lasting three hours is set for Monday at the same court, where Gibbins has been out on unconditional bail ahead of the proceedings.
The situation raises important discussions around the limits of free speech and public accountability for elected representatives, particularly in today’s volatile social media landscape.
