A CHESTER judge has found himself at the centre of a national debate after handing two Cheshire men four year jail sentences for using Facebook to incite riots.
Recorder of Chester Elgan Edwards has been widely criticised for the severity of his sentences, although equally he has received backing for taking a tough stance.
Jordan Blackshaw, 20, from Marston near Northwich, and Perry Sutcliffe-Keenan, 22, from Warrington, were jailed for four years at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday. Blackshaw will appeal against the sentence.
The pair pleaded guilty to setting up separate Facebook pages on Tuesday, August 9, to incite others to take part in disorder.
Judge Edwards said he hoped the sentences would act as a ‘deterrent’ to others.
The Crown Prosecution Service said the offences could have carried a maximum sentence of 10 years.
However some MPs and justice campaigners have raised concerns that the sentences were too harsh.
Leading criminal barrister John Cooper QC described them as ‘over the top’ and believes they will be overturned on appeal.
Several politicians, including Prime Minister David Cameron, have defended the sentences and Chester MP Stephen Mosley believes they will make others think twice about inciting disorder online.
He said: “It is a tough sentence but this was a very serious crime and I hope it makes others think twice in the future.
“Actions and crimes on the internet are as serious as if you do it in person.”
Phil Thompson, assistant chief constable of Cheshire Police, added: “If we cast our minds back just a few days to last week and recall the way in which technology was used to spread incitement and bring people together to commit acts of criminality it is easy to understand the four year sentences that were handed down in court.”
