Let me start by being absolutely clear. The rant by suspended Labour Councillor Ricky Jones at a demonstration in response to anti-immigrant demonstrations in Walthamstow in August last year was utterly repugnant, appalling, irresponsible and dangerous.
Jones said, speaking at a rally, “they (anti-immigrant demonstrators) are disgusting nazi fascists. We need to cut all their throats and get rid of them all.”
Jones has now been found not guilty of encouraging violent disorder by a jury after just half an hour of deliberation.
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This has led to a clamour of cries from the Tories and Reform claiming two-tier Justice and comparing this case to the 31-month prison sentence handed out to Lucy Connolly, who was found guilty of inciting violence during the riots following the appalling murder of 3 young girls in Southport.
But as usual, the Tories and Reform trade in half-truths and misleading comparisons in making their case.
Connolly pleaded guilty to inciting violence, whereas Jones pleaded not guilty. A world of difference legally.
Comparing the Ricky Jones verdict to Lucy Connolly's is patently absurd. I'll explain why - Bill Rammell
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I took the trouble to read the appeal court ruling in Connolly’s case, and it convinced me the verdict against her was sound.
Connolly explicitly pleaded guilty to incitement to violence, knowing it carried the most serious penalty. Her tweet inciting violence and the burning of migrant hotels was viewed 310,000 times.
After the threat, she said on social media she would “play the mental health card” if arrested, showing a degree of deliberate intent.
She refused the opportunity of what is called a Newton hearing to plead mitigation because she did not believe she would be a credible witness. And in conclusion, the three appeal judges declared Connolly’s testimony “incredible”. Which is judge speak for “she’s lying”.
In the Jones case, he pleaded not guilty. And a jury of 12 men and women, good and true, found him not guilty after deliberating for just half an hour. Juries which reach verdicts in such a short time imply the case is straightforward and clear-cut.
I still believe what Jones said was irresponsible, dangerous and wrong. But the Judge and Jury heard all the detailed evidence, which none of the critics and those who claim two-tier Justice have.
We do not have two-tier Justice in this country. To assert that we do means we have judges and juries who are deliberately and systematically biased against British people in favour of migrants. Really! In what world is that remotely credible?