Woman jailed for hate-related communications

Wednesday, 14 August 2024 21:44

A woman has been jailed after admitting hate related communications.

Julie Sweeney, of Lawtongate Estate in Church Lawton, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 14 August.

The 53-year-old was sentenced to 15 months after pleading guilty to sending communications threatening death or serious harm (S181 Online Safety Act 2023).

On Monday 5 August, Cheshire Police received a complaint in relation to the hateful tone of a message which had been posted on a community Facebook group in the Kidsgrove area.

Sweeney was subsequently identified from her online profile and arrested.

She was later charged with the offence.

A spokesperson for Cheshire Police said:

“Since the start of the recent disorder in other areas of the UK, we have been clear that we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour in Cheshire, including those who post abusive and threatening messages online.

“People may think that posting hateful messages on social media, instead of engaging in this sort of behaviour in person, offers them some sort of anonymity. But this could not be further from the truth.

“As this case demonstrates, there is nowhere to hide. If you choose to engage in this behaviour, whether in person or online, we will find you and you will be held responsible.”

Pictured - Julie Sweeney, of Lawtongate Estate in Church Lawton.

More from Local News

SILK MUSEUM LAUNCHES COMMUNITY-DRIVEN FOOTBALL PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT

The Silk Museum is inviting the people of Macclesfield to become part of its next exhibition by sharing their personal experiences of football in the town.
Local father takes on the Manchester Marathon in thanks to the NHS

A local father is set to tackle the Manchester Marathon for Macclesfield Hospital Units following personal loss and recovery.
‘Thumbs up for buses’ say Cheshire East residents

Residents in Cheshire East have given a ‘big thumbs up’ to bus journeys, an independent survey says.
Council to return to a leader and cabinet model of decision making

Cheshire East Council is just a month away from ending its committee system and moving back to a leader and cabinet model of decision making.
Council celebrates world first green inhaler manufacturer

Cheshire East Council has launched its new ‘Made in Cheshire East’ initiative with a visit to a Holmes Chapel–based business that’s manufacturing a world-first product in respiratory care.
Exercise and nutrition programme launches for those on weight loss medications across Cheshire East

Video

Everybody Health & Leisure has launched Live Well on Weight Loss Medications, a newly-developed exercise and nutrition support programme designed specifically for adults using weight loss medications.
Nearly 20 illegal firearms handed over to police following month-long amnesty campaign

Cheshire Constabulary joined fellow forces and the National Police Chief’s Council and National Crime Agency in supporting a month-long amnesty operation to prevent easily convertible blank-firing weapons from falling into the hands of criminals.
Aurin Makepeace jailed for murdering Steven Rothwell

Aurin Makepeace from Tan Y Don in Prestatyn has been jailed for murdering Steven Rothwell at his home in Macclesfield.
Crime continues to fall in Cheshire for the fourth year in a row

Crime continues to fall in Cheshire for the fourth year in a row, with an overall reduction of 14% and with more offenders being charged than anywhere else in the country.
Appeal for information after man found with unexplained injuries in Macclesfield

Police are investigating an incident where a man was found with serious injuries in Macclesfield.
Young Golfer Sets New Record

A junior golfer has become Woodside Golf Club’s youngest ever player to get a hole-in-one.
Family of man who died following collision pay tribute

The family of a man who died following a collision near Crewe have paid tribute to him.
Over 200,000 illegal cigarettes seized in western immigration operation

Officers from the Western Protecting Vulnerable People and Exploitation (PVPE) team have seized quantities of counterfeit cigarettes during an retail operation across the Northwich area, with 200,000 illicit products recovered from one shop alone.
Warning after rising attacks on sheep in Cheshire

The NFU and Cheshire Police have urged dog owners to keep control of their pets in the countryside following a rise in attacks on sheep.
Road safety operation launches to keep road users safe

A joint road safety operation bringing together officers from Cheshire Constabulary, West Mercia Police and Staffordshire Police launched ahead of the Easter weekend to help keep motorcyclists and all road users safe.
Cheshire bucks the national trend in tackling shoplifting

Shoplifting and theft offences across Cheshire have fallen by 10% against a national increase.
Council sets future vision for transport

Cheshire East Council’s highways and transport committee has approved a new Local Transport Plan (LTP), which sets out a vision for how people could travel around the borough in the future, and will be used to prioritise transport investment.
Serial thief jailed following Northwich crime spree

A serial thief from Birkenhead who went on a one-night crime spree in Northwich has been jailed.
Appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage following fatal collision

Police officers are appealing for information following a fatal collision near Crewe.
Healing Paws Therapy: Supporting Emotional Wellbeing Across Cheshire for Children, Families and Care Communities

From helping children build confidence to bringing comfort and companionship to care home residents, Healing Paws Therapy is making a meaningful difference across Cheshire.