A man referred to as a “keyboard warrior” has received a three-year prison sentence in the United Kingdom due to his posts on the social media platform X. Wayne O’Rourke, aged 35, was convicted for inciting racial hatred amid recent anti-migration demonstrations and riots.
As reported by the local Lincolnshire Free Press, O’Rourke disseminated false information regarding the mass stabbing incident in Southport, which resulted in the deaths of three young girls, falsely implying that the perpetrator was either a Muslim or an illegal immigrant, both of which were inaccurate claims.
He also provided his 90,000 followers with guidance on how to maintain anonymity during protests, a tactic often employed by left-wing activist groups prior to contentious events. In delivering the sentence, Judge Catarina Sjolin Knight condemned O’Rourke for “instigating” the riots through his online activity, stating, “The flames fanned by keyboard warriors like you.”
One of O’Rourke’s offending posts read: “People of Southport where the f**k are you, get out on the street.”
Another, accompanying a picture of a burning car in Sunderland, said: “Sunderland, go on lads ”
“Starmer has basically said it us against them. Hold the line,” he wrote in a separate X post.
In support of O’Rourke, Lucia Harrington informed the court that her client had become “entangled in the media frenzy” following the mass stabbing incident in Southport, asserting that he did not create his account with the purpose of inciting riots. Harrington further stated that O’Rourke is eager to “re-educate” himself regarding his past mistakes.
Lincolnshire Chief Superintendent Kate Anderson said: “This charge demonstrates that we will take fast and decisive action against anyone suspected of sharing harmful content online.
“We retain a commitment to proactively police and keep people safe across the county.
“This action shows that everyone is responsible for their actions – whether they be in public, or online.”
‘Stirring Up Hatred’ — UK Man Jailed After Mocking Muslims at Non-Violent Anti-Migration Protesthttps://t.co/gOOiiVX3dB
— Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) August 17, 2024
