Im all for removal of racism from society and all other forms of bigotry, but the jailing and consequent appeal dismissal of Liam Stacey for racist tweets is a step too far and a dangerous precedent. OK, the guy is a fool and will have a stigma attached to him for a long time, I think its over the top to jail him for what amounts to expression of thought. Every day we hear about someone who breaks the law getting off with a serious charge but this? Surely we have others forms of education that could be applied? And if we dont, well thats our problem and we should.

 

Another point, are we now going to be jailing everyone who uses some form of communication to express something that we no longer find acceptable? Its not a big step to arresting artists, writers, tv and film makers for an expression of unacceptability.

 

What seems to be happening is that the country is reacting to headlines. Granny Tax, Pie Gate, tax cuts for the rich, racist tweets that werent even sent to Fabrice Muamba. Its all headlines.

 

In the UK, surely that is unacceptable.