British man faces jail for calling Hove MP Mike Weatherley 'coward'A university lecturer could be sent to prison for calling a city MP a “coward”. Alex Cline faces a two-day trial after a court heard Hove MP Mike Weatherley complained to police about the name-calling in November.
The incident took place during a protest at the University of Sussex. At the time, Mr Weatherley complained he and his staff had been pelted with rocks by “anarchists” before a planned debate on anti-squatting laws.
But during yesterday's hearing, Brighton Magistrates Court heard the only person charged with any offence was Mr Cline, for calling the MP a “coward”.
The 25-year-old faces one count of 'using threatening/abusive/insulting words/behaviour to cause harassment/alarm/distress'. He could be handed a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment, a fine of £5,000 or both.
Mr Cline denies harassing the MP or causing him alarm and distress.
Speaking after the hearing, Mr Cline's solicitor Lydia Dagostino said: “Mr Weatherley has probably been called worse in the Houses of Parliament. “We'll be vigorously defending this case and the defendant's right to free speech.
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Only a coward would take offense at being called a coward, and it is not insult to say a coward is a coward.
ReplyDeleteNo fre speech in england becuase of the EUROPEAN SOVIET UNION Might i suggest that england suceed
ReplyDeletewake up America, this is what owebama wants here.
ReplyDeleteI imagine I'd face life in prison for calling Obama the "Feckless One;" at least after someone explained to him what it means.
ReplyDeleteNot only is he a coward, he also seems to be a big baby that can't take criticism.
ReplyDeleteI think he needs a better lawyer.
ReplyDeleteThe 'he's been called worse in parliament' is completely irrelevant given that proceedings in parliament are subject to privilege and cannot be called into question in court.