Suspended Labour Councillor Denies Incitement Charges Amid UK’s Racial Tensions

Ricky Jones: Labour Councillor Refutes Claims of Inciting Violence

Accused of promoting violent disorder, 57-year-old Ricky Jones delivered a speech at an anti-racism rally. This event was a reaction to the nationwide unrest following the tragic stabbing deaths of three children at a dance class in Southport.

News correspondent @samuelosborne93

Friday, September 6, 2024, 6:

A Labour councillor, currently suspended, has entered a plea of not guilty to charges of inciting violent disorder. This follows the release of a video in which he seems to advocate for cutting the throats of far-right demonstrators.

Ricky Jones, aged 57, is accused of committing the act while speaking at an anti-racism rally on August 7, which was held following the violent unrest throughout the UK triggered by the deadly stabbings of three children at a dance class in Southport.

Two days following the protest, Jones was accused by authorities of inciting violent unrest.

The accused was present through a video connection from HMP Wormwood Scrubs for a short session at Snaresbrook Crown Court. He verified his identity and made his plea.

During a prior session at Westminster Magistrates' Court, Deputy Senior District Judge Tan Ikram remarked, "You are accused of speaking into a microphone to a group during an anti-fascist rally, where you referred to certain individuals as 'disgusting Nazi fascists' and declared 'we need to cut their throats and get rid of them'."

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Defense attorney Hossein Zahir KC acknowledged that Jones admitted to having said the words, but he denied any knowledge that the words would lead to a violent disorder offense being committed.

District Judge Oscar Del Fabbro stated that the case would be escalated to the chief judge.

He directed the defendant to submit a statement of defense by October 25.

Further reading: Individual who fueled flames near migrant lodging receives harshest sentence to date following UK disturbances. Activist with US-Turkish ties passes away after reportedly being shot in the head by Israeli troops. Blair labeled 'despicable' for remarks on Grenfell incident.

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The court scheduled an initial trial date for January 20 of the following year in the same courtroom.

Jones, who has served as a councillor in Dartford, Kent since 2019, has been suspended by the Labour Party.

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