A taxi driver has been sentenced to seven and a half years for spreading misinformation and inciting violence on social media following a knife attack in Southport last year. Andrew McIntyre, 39, created the Telegram channel "Southport Wake Up" shortly after the July 29th incident, disseminating inflammatory content, according to Liverpool Crown Court.
Judge Neil Flewitt deemed McIntyre a key figure in the spread of misinformation, noting his actions were motivated by racial hatred and directly encouraged violent disorder and property damage. The judge emphasized the aggravation of the offense due to the racial hostility and attacks on law enforcement.
Prosecutor Arthur Gibson highlighted the "sinister aspect" of the violence that occurred in parts of the UK during the summer of 2024. McIntyre was arrested on August 8th, with a knife found in his vehicle and weapons and a copy of Mein Kampf discovered at his home.
The "Southport Wake Up" channel was identified by Hope Not Hate as a central catalyst for subsequent violent incidents. McIntyre shared extremist content from various online sources, including a map with a mosque marked, along with provocative messages urging violence, directly threatening police. His phone and car were both located near the scene of the disturbances on the night of the violence.
Subsequent posts displayed an escalating pattern of incitements, including calls for further violence against a Liverpool mosque. McIntyre, who pleaded guilty to the charges, was remanded in custody at HMP Liverpool.
Despite the prosecution's case, the defense presented a contrasting portrait of McIntyre. The defense highlighted his previous good character and the horrified reaction of his family. Letters of support from his parents and a family friend were presented to the court. The defense argued that McIntyre was misrepresented by the prosecution.
Crucially, the original charge of encouraging murder, based on a post linking to a YouTube video, was withdrawn by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) due to evidentiary concerns regarding the intent of the defendant. The charge was dropped.
