Lucy Connolly, a childminder and wife of ex-Conservative councillor Raymond Connolly, has lost her appeal against a 31-month prison sentence for a racially charged Facebook rant. The Court of Appeal dismissed her challenge, bringing her legal battle to an end.
Connolly pleaded guilty in 2024 to inciting racial hatred after posting a fiery message on Facebook about the brutal Southport murders committed by Axel Rudakubana. The post, which was viewed over 310,000 times within hours, called for the mass deportation of migrants and included the statement: “Set fire to all the f***ing hotels full of the b*******.”
Senior judges Lord Justice Holroyde, Mr Justice Goss, and Mr Justice Sheldon found no valid grounds for the appeal. They rejected Connolly’s claim that the sentence was too harsh, citing the dangerous social climate at the time of the offence. Lord Justice Holroyde said, “There is no arguable basis on which it could be said that the sentence imposed by the judge was manifestly excessive.”
The judges also dismissed the version of events presented by Connolly’s legal team as “substantially” incorrect in their view.
Judge Melbourne Inman KC handed down the original sentence, describing Connolly’s comments as encouraging actions that threatened or endangered life. The verdict came amid heightened tensions following the Southport tragedy.
The 31-month prison term sparked widespread debate. Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman criticised the judiciary, calling Connolly a “victim of a politicised justice system.” The Free Speech Union (FSU), led by Lord Young, supported Connolly, arguing that the judge had overlooked her personal tragedy and mental health struggles, including the death of her young son.
Last month, Connolly’s request for prison visits with her daughter was denied, despite officials describing her as “an ideal candidate” for such visits. Her husband, Ray Connolly, expressed that he was “heartbroken” by the appeal’s rejection and said the court had shown “no mercy.”
Representatives from the Free Speech Union were present at the Royal Courts of Justice, emphasising that sentencing decisions must adhere to the law rather than be influenced by the court of public opinion.
Originally published by UKNIP.
