The court heard that she faces a six-month custodial sentence if found guilty, and could even face up to 18 months over the alleged offence…reports Asian Lite News
The wife of a Tory councillor faces the possibility of 18 months in prison after being accused of calling for hotels housing asylum seekers to be set on fire.
Lucy Connolly, a 41-year-old childminder from Northampton, is charged with one count of “publishing written material to stir up racial hatred”.
After the knife attack in Southport last month, Mrs Connolly is said to have posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f—ing hotels full of the b——- for all I care… If that makes me racist, so be it.”
Northampton Magistrates’ Court heard that the post had attracted 310,000 views and 8,800 “likes”. Conolly, who appeared via video link and was wearing a long-sleeved pink top, spoke only to confirm her name, address and date of birth.
The court heard that she faces a six-month custodial sentence if found guilty, and could even face up to 18 months over the alleged offence.
Will Forber Heyward, representing Mrs Connolly, said: “She is 41 years of age, of previous good character, and never has come into contact with the criminal justice system before.” Connolly, who is married to Raymond Connolly, a Conservative West Northamptonshire councillor, did not enter a plea.
Her application for bail was refused. She was remanded into custody and will next appear at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday.
