Labour councillor is charged for feedback about ‘nasty fascists’

A Labour councillor who was filmed telling protestors ‘we need to cut the throats’ of ‘disgusting nasty fascists’ has been charged with encouraging violent disorder.

Ricky Jones, a suspended councillor for Dartford, Kent, was arrested after he made the comments during a speech at a counter-demonstration in Walthamstow on Wednesday evening.

Jaswant Narwal, chief crown prosecutor for CPS London North, said: ‘The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Ricky Jones, 57, with one count of encouraging violent disorder.

‘Jones was filmed addressing a crowd in Walthamstow on Wednesday 7 August during which he appeared to make remarks and a gesture to encourage others to act violently towards far-right protestors.

‘He has been arrested and charged within 48 hours, and will now appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court this afternoon, 9 August 2024.’