Man convicted of intending to stir up racial hatred after posting online

A man who posted messages on Facebook about attacking a hotel where asylum seekers were housed has been convicted of using threatening words or behaviour to stir up racial hatred.

Jordan Parlour, 28, made the online comments advocating an attack on a hotel in Leeds, and the posts were reported to police.
The hotel manager put the building into lockdown on Saturday, 3 August due to the disorder in Leeds, and at least one window was broken after stones were thrown over the weekend.

There was no evidence that Parlour attended the hotel.

The offence of intending to stir required the consent of the Attorney General (AG) to prosecute in accordance with Section 27 of the Public Order Act 1986. The AG consented to this charge being taken forward this afternoon.

This is the first conviction for posting online in relation to the public disorder.

Parlour pleaded guilty at Leeds Magistrates' Court today and was remanded in custody ahead of his sentence at Leeds Crown Court on Friday, 9 August.

Nick Price, Director of Legal Services at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "I want to be absolutely clear, anyone involved in inciting this thuggish behaviour will face severe consequences.

"Parlour advocated violence through his online posts and risked the safety of those staying at the hotel.

"The CPS will continue to act swiftly and robustly regarding these cases and ensure those responsible for such deplorable criminality are brought to justice."