Broadcaster Cristo Foufas has hit out at judicial inconsistency following the acquittal of a Labour councillor who called for opponents' throats to be cut, whilst highlighting the imprisonment of Lucy Connolly for her own inflammatory remarks.
During Patrick Christys Tonight, Mr Foufas and Patrick questioned the disparate outcomes in cases involving violent rhetoric. The discussion centred on Ricky Jones, a Dartford councillor who was found not guilty yesterday after telling crowds to slash the throats of those he termed "disgusting Nazi fascists".
The presenters drew comparisons with Lucy Connolly's case, suggesting the verdicts demonstrated unequal application of justice.
Their commentary focused on how an elected official captured on video making throat-slashing gestures whilst advocating violence avoided conviction, whereas Connolly received a custodial sentence.
Cristo Foufas asked why the Labour councillor was not charged
|GB NEWS
Mr Jones, aged 58, addressed anti-racism demonstrators in Walthamstow on 7 August last year during counter-protests organised following the Southport murders. Speaking through a PA system to cheering supporters, he declared: "They are disgusting Nazi fascists. We need to cut all their throats and get rid of them all."
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The suspended councillor accompanied his words with a finger drawn across his throat. Jurors at Snaresbrook Crown Court deliberated for approximately thirty minutes before delivering their not guilty verdict on Friday.
The matter was discussed on GB News
|GB NEWS
Mr Jones maintained his remarks referenced individuals who had allegedly affixed National Front stickers concealing razor blades on trains.
He testified that such actions endangered women and children during summer holidays, stating those responsible "don't give a s*** about who they hurt."
Foufas expressed particular concern about the Prime Minister's public statements during the unrest, arguing these could have influenced legal proceedings.
"The Prime Minister came out and called everyone protesting far-right. Bear in mind they were subject to charges at that point, how is that not prejudicing the trial?" he stated during the broadcast.
Suspended Labour councillor Ricky Jones has been found not guilty | XMr Foufas highlighted what he perceived as different standards for public officials, suggesting police officers face stricter accountability than civilians when committing offences.
He questioned how Jones could be acquitted after making violent statements on camera whilst serving as an elected representative.
"A lot of people will be asking how is Lucy Connolly in prison? She did something wrong, but this man did something wrong on camera, an elected official and he is not guilty," he remarked.
Patrick raised questions about freedom of expression during the discussion, suggesting the verdict exposed contradictions in how speech-related offences are prosecuted.
"I'm all for free speech and he's been allowed to say what he's said, but surely that means Lucy Connolly should have been allowed to say what she said as well?" he stated.