From the Guardian · · 1m 40s
Reform councillor sentenced for racist Nigerian 'joke'
Glenn Gibbins handed community order after Facebook post about melting down Nigerians to fill potholes.
In brief
Glenn Gibbins handed community order after Facebook post about melting down Nigerians to fill potholes. Reform UK councillor Glenn Gibbins was sentenced to 150 hours unpaid work for a grossly offensive Facebook post about Nigerians, which a judge ruled breached the Malicious Communications Act. Originally reported by…
Councillor posted racist comment
Glenn Gibbins, a Reform UK councillor elected to Sunderland council in May, wrote on Facebook in March 2024: "Carnt believe the amount of nigerians in town …
“should melt them all down and fill in the pot holes!!”
Gibbins claimed it was just fun
At trial before district judge Zoe Passfield on Monday, Gibbins, aged 66, said the post was meant to be cheeky, naughty and tongue in cheek. He said it was not meant to be taken literally.
“It was just a bit of fun.”
Judge ruled post was grossly offensive
District judge Zoe Passfield ruled at South Tyneside magistrates court in South Shields that the post breached the Malicious Communications Act and was grossly offensive to Nigerians.
“intention was to be grossly offensive to Nigerians as a result of his displeasure at the number of them in the city.”
Prosecutor highlighted historical echoes
Prosecutor Emma Dowling said Gibbins' post was talking about exterminating a group of people. She said the comment about melting them down conjures up despicable images.
“To say that it's not to be taken seriously is to disregard history.”
Nigerian community leader testified
Godwin Ejeh, leader of the Nigerian community in Sunderland, called an emergency meeting after the post. People were distressed and concerned for their safety and their children's safety.
“We are talking about humans. It's not something people should play with.”
Gibbins sentenced to community order
Gibbins was sentenced to a twelve-month community order with one hundred fifty hours of unpaid work. His defence said they would appeal the decision to the crown court.
Gibbins suspended again by Reform
Gibbins said he had been suspended by Reform, then reinstated, but was now suspended again following the sentencing.
The headline
Reform UK councillor Glenn Gibbins was sentenced to 150 hours unpaid work for a grossly offensive Facebook post about Nigerians, which a judge ruled breached the Malicious Communications Act.
