It comes after millionaire mum Bonnie Spofforth said she was 'mortified' to be accused of being the first to spread the false rumours.

The woman accused of being first to spread the fake rumours about the Southport killer which sparked nationwide riots has been arrested.

Racist riots spread across the country after misinformation spread on social media claiming the fatal stabbing was carried out by Ali Al-Shakati, believed to be a fictitious name, a Muslim aslyum seeker who was on an MI6 watchlist.

A 55-year-old woman from Chester has now been arrested on suspicion of publishing written material to stir up racial hatred, and false communication. She remains in police custody.

While she has not been named in the police statement about the arrest, it is believed to be Bonnie Spofforth, a mother-of-three and the managing director of a clothing company.

  • @gedhrelEnglish
    1•29 days ago

    I think it’s like the distinction between art and obscenity; it’s not a nuanced distinction in the case in question. If it were, I’d largely trust UK courts to get it right (they are by-and-large capable of this, and much less politicised than their US counterparts).

    • @aidanEnglish
      1•29 days ago

      I think it’s like the distinction between art and obscenity

      I agree in that its an inherently individual decision.

      If it were, I’d largely trust UK courts to get it right (they are by-and-large capable of this, and much less politicised than their US counterparts).

      What makes you think this?

      I don’t think this was right

      Nor this

      Nor this

      • @gedhrelEnglish
        1•29 days ago

        Experience. For what it’s worth, the instinct I distrust is absolutism.

        • @aidanEnglish
          1•29 days ago

          What do you mean?