Three men from Tonypandy have been charged with publishing threatening material on a Facebook account intending to stir up religious hatred, contrary to the Public Order Act 1986.
43-year-old Geraint Boyce, 45-year-old Jamie Michael, and 40-year-old Daffron Williams all appeared at Merthyr Crown Court on Monday, August 12, where Geraint Boyce and Daffron Williams pleaded guilty. They are due to be sentenced on Friday, August 16. Jamie Michael pleaded not guilty. His next court hearing is Friday, August 23, at Merthyr Crown Court. All three have been remanded in custody awaiting their next appearances.
Three others have also been arrested on suspicion of displaying threatening abusive / insulting written material with intent / likely to stir up racial hatred.
A 27-year-old man from Penarth has been bailed for further enquiries until Thursday, November 7, while a 33-year-old woman and 39-year-old man, both from Blaengwynfi, Neath Port Talbot, have been bailed for further enquiries until Saturday, November 9.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Powell said:
“I hope that our swift response to these incidents sends a very clear message that there will be serious consequences for those who think they can publish hateful, racial or prejudiced posts.”
