UNITED KINGDOM: UK councillor charged over 2024 post saying Nigerians should be ‘melted to fill potholes’
Glenn Gibbins, a councillor of the Reform UK party, has been charged with posting a comment on social media referencing the Nigerian community.
Northumbria police said the 66-year-old councillor was charged with the offence under the Communications Act 2003.
Gibbins was said to be investigated by his party and given a final written warning.
The charge relates to a post from 2024.
“Carnt believe amount of nigerians in town…..should melt them all down and fill in the pot holes!!” Gibbins had tweeted.
The police said it was alerted to the post in May, began investigations, then submitted a file to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised a charge.
According to reports, Gibbins was suspended by Reform but was later reinstated.
“We are aware there has already been significant interest in relation to this individual and the social media post. We would urge people not to speculate, both online and in the community, in relation to this case,” a statement from a police spokesperson said.
The force said the 66-year-old, from the Sunderland area, was due to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ court on August 21.
A Reform UK spokesman said the party is aware of the situation involving Gibbins, adding that “we will monitor the verdict closely”.