Paul Higgins
Today at 13:35
Charges accusing a Co Down alleged keyboard warrior of posting messages to incite racial hatred and rioting were formally withdrawn today.
During a brief mention of the case against John Edward Robinson at Newtownards Magistrates Court, a prosecuting lawyer confirmed the Public Prosecution Service was withdrawing counts one and four.
Count one had alleged that Robinson had intentionally encouraged others to riot between August 3 and 4 last year, while count four had accused the 31-year-old of publishing written material “which was threatening, abusive or insulting, intending thereby to stir up hatred or arouse fear”.
Robinson, from Rathgill Park in Bangor, still faces five other charges, including one of possessing fireworks without a licence and four of sending menacing messages via an electronic communication network.
When Robinson was first before the court last September, it heard that under a Facebook post about immigration protests and “property now burning in south Belfast”, the defendant commented: “Good, it’s about time… smoke the hotels next.”
“Police believe that referred to hotels where migrants are staying,” said DC Elliott, adding that when Robinson was arrested and his phone examined, police uncovered further concerning messages on Facebook Messenger.
In a conversation with an individual, Robinson made further references to hotels where migrants were housed and told them: “Violence is the answer. That’s the only way to make the government see we are serious.”
About shops on Sandy Row being on fire, Robinson allegedly commented: “That’s more like it LOL.”
He also told the third party that he was hoping to get someone to look after his young daughter, so with concerns, said the officer, that Robinson is referencing immigration hotels, “he is appearing to give consideration to attend further events”.
In court today, defence counsel Conor Holmes conceded he “was not aware” of the developments in the case but suggested to District Judge Amanda Brady to adjourn the case for a week for attitude.
“I will have him here and it’s very likely that it will be a plea,” he told the judge, who put the case back to February 11.
by pickneyboy3000