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.

  • gmtom@lemmy.worldEnglish
    51·
    3 months ago

    You’re basically saying

    wow she only got arrested because she got caught

    And there’s a difference in magnitude in most crimes too. Like if you steal a grape from a supermarket as you do your weekly shop, that’s very different to stealing an entire chicken, which is also different to stealing a TV.

    • The Picard Maneuver@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      3 months ago

      My point was more that we’re looking at the situation in hindsight and applying knowledge that she didn’t have to her intent.

      This woman’s action (typing the tweet) ended at the time she hit send, and we should determine if we think that alone is criminal.