Jordan Parlour, 28, a sign installer from Leeds, has been jailed for 20 months after posting violent messages online urging attacks against asylum seekers. Despite a broken heel preventing him from joining riots in person, Parlour encouraged followers to “smash the f***” out of a Leeds hotel housing refugees.
This is the first conviction in the UK related to social media incitement during the recent violent unrest that followed the tragic murder of three girls in Southport on July 29. Parlour’s posts targeted the Britannia Hotel in Seacroft, Leeds, which shelters 210 asylum seekers and refugees.
At Leeds Crown Court, Judge Guy Kearl KC condemned Parlour for inciting violence without physically participating. The judge remarked, “There can be no doubt you were inciting others to do so, otherwise why post the comments?”
The court heard that Parlour’s hateful Facebook posts appeared shortly after the Britannia Hotel was attacked with missiles and had its windows smashed. His messages preceded similar assaults on migrant hotels in other areas, including a violent incident in Rotherham.
Defending Parlour, barrister Nicholas Hammond stated that his client was not affiliated with any organised group promoting violence. Parlour’s mother told the court her son had been “caught up and swept away by emotions” affecting the nation.
Judge Kearl emphasized that the law applies equally to all, stating, “The law applies to everyone, no matter what colour, race, religion, or political persuasion; there is no distinction.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned individuals like Parlour, calling them “armchair thugs” who incite chaos from behind their screens.
Further arrests have been made as the UK intensifies its crackdown on riot instigators. Tyle Kay, 26, was sentenced today at Northampton Crown Court for similar offences. Former Labour councillor Ricky Jones, 57, faces charges of encouraging violent disorder at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the swift justice delivered to rioters, stating that rapid action is helping to prevent further nationwide disorder.
Parlour’s conviction serves as a strong warning that inciting violence online during times of unrest will result in severe penalties. The message is clear: the keyboard is no safe place for stirring racial hatred and violence.
Originally published by UKNIP.
