A taxi driver received a seven-and-a-half-year prison sentence for inciting violence and spreading misinformation after a knife attack in Southport, Merseyside. Andrew McIntyre, 39, used social media to encourage public disorder. The court found his actions motivated by racial hatred.
McIntyre created a Telegram channel called “Southport Wake Up” shortly after the attack. Judge Neil Flewitt KC stated that McIntyre played a key role in sparking violence and damage. He noted that McIntyre’s posts encouraged attacks on police officers and fueled unrest.
Prosecutor Arthur Gibson explained that McIntyre’s messages contributed to riots in the UK last summer. Police arrested him on August 8 in Liverpool. They discovered a hidden knife in his car and found more weapons and controversial literature in his home.
The Telegram channel spread inflammatory posts, including protest calls and threats against specific locations. McIntyre urged people to prepare for further unrest and praised participants in previous riots. He also posted threatening messages about public figures. However, prosecutors dropped related charges due to insufficient evidence.
Despite being a first-time offender, McIntyre’s actions had severe consequences. His defense described him as otherwise law-abiding, with supportive character references from his family. Still, the court focused on the damage caused by his behavior.
McIntyre pleaded guilty to charges of violent disorder, criminal damage, and weapon possession. He appeared via videolink from custody, while his parents watched in court.
