A Malicious Post and a Guilty Verdict in South Tyneside
Suspended Reform UK councillor Glenn Gibbins was convicted following a trial at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court of sending a malicious communication via Facebook.
The 66-year-old Sunderland City councillor posted in March 2024 that Nigerian residents in the town should be melted down and used to fill potholes. District Judge Zoe Passfield handed down the guilty verdict at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.
The Defense of a Tongue-in-Cheek Joke
Gibbins denied that the message was grossly offensive, telling the court he intended it as an unreal, tongue-in-cheek joke. His defense attorney, Adam King, argued that professional comedians had made similarly provocative remarks without facing prosecution. Court documents show that the social media post surfaced after the anti-fascist group Hope Not Hate reviewed his online history following his candidacy announcement.
Prosecution Arguments on Dehumanizing Language
Prosecuting lawyer Emma Dowling countered that the post reduced human beings to the status of Tarmac. She stated that the message stripped the Nigerian community of its humanity.
Nigerian Community Members Felt Distressed by Gibbins' Actions
Godwin Ejeh, a local community leader for Nigerians in Sunderland, testified about organizing a protest outside City Hall when Gibbins was scheduled to be sworn in. Ejeh noted that members of the local Nigerian community felt deeply distressed for their safety. Gibbins was suspended by Reform UK before he could attend the swearing-in ceremony.
Gibbins Plans to Appeal Verdict After Court Avoids Jail Term
District Judge Passfield noted that Gibbins had no previous criminal convictions and had not reoffended since making the post two years prior. Gibbins is scheduled to be sentenced later on Monday, November 9, 2026, and has been informed by the court that he will not face a jail term. Legal representatives for Gibbins confirmed plans to appeal the verdict at the crown court.
