A Worthing man has been sentenced to 14 weeks in prison after being found guilty of publishing malicious communications in connection with a planned event in Brighton. The incident highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to monitor and address potential protest activity in the region.
The preparations by Sussex Police included the careful monitoring and review of substantial online information, which led to the discovery of a concerning social media post on Tuesday, 6 August. The post contained several references to violent disorder linked to the proposed event scheduled for Wednesday, 7 August.
Following a prompt investigation, two men from Worthing, aged 42 and 45, were arrested. Joseph Clark, 45, of Hayling Rise, Worthing, was subsequently charged with sending an offensive message via a public communication network. He appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 9 August, where he was found guilty and sentenced to 14 weeks in prison. In addition to the custodial sentence, Clark was ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge. The 42-year-old man arrested alongside Clark was released without further action.
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Court commented on the case, stating, “This custodial sentence should send a clear message to anyone involved in disorder – either online or on the streets – that they will swiftly face the full force of the law.
“The recent unrest seen across the country has been fuelled by threatening, abusive online messages. Those messages have real-world consequences, and those who send them cannot hide behind their keyboards.”
Sussex Police have reiterated their commitment to ongoing preparations for reports of planned events across the county, assuring the public that they will continue to engage with communities and maintain a visible, reassuring presence.
Residents are encouraged to report any concerns to Sussex Police online or via 101, quoting Operation Skylark.
