A Complete Unknown
£9.99Lucy Connolly, the wife of a jailed Conservative councillor, insisted that she never intended to incite violence with her online rant following the Southport attacks last year. She used social media to call for “mass deportation now” and suggested setting fire to hotels housing asylum seekers. Connolly is appealing the two-year, seven-month sentence she received for inciting racial hatred. Outside the Appeal Court in London, supporters demonstrated in her favor.
The controversial post came after three girls were killed at a holiday club in Southport, causing nationwide unrest. Connolly, speaking from HMP Drake Hall in Staffordshire, expressed being “really angry, really upset” and empathized with the parents of the victims. Having lost her own son 14 years ago, the news triggered intense emotions linked to his death. Connolly denied any intention for her followers to act on her call to arson or harm politicians.
Despite deleting the post shortly after its publication, Connolly regretted her words and acknowledged they were unacceptable. She emphasized that she did not realize her guilty plea in court would be interpreted as intent to incite violence. Her aim was to highlight an issue, not promote violence. The Appeal Court judges promised a prompt written judgment following the recent hearing.
Ray Connolly, Lucy’s husband and a former Conservative councillor, expressed disappointment at the lack of a ruling at the Royal Courts of Justice. He highlighted the impact on their family and his hope for a positive resolution soon. Ray had lost his seat on the West Northamptonshire Council but continues to serve on the Northampton Town Council. The family anticipates a resolution that will bring Lucy home after almost 279 days of separation
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