Sunderland City councillor Glenn Gibbins, 66, denied breaching the Communications Act for the post, made on Facebook two years before his election, claiming it was a 'tongue-in-cheek joke'. However, his defense was dismissed at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, where the prosecution argued the post 'conjures up despicable images' and implied that Nigerians were 'somewhat less than human'.
The post came to the attention of the campaign group Hope Not Hate during their review of Gibbins’ social media activity after he was announced as a Reform UK candidate for Sunderland City Council. He was elected to represent the Hylton Castle ward in May but was suspended by Reform in August after the message surfaced. Police were notified following his election.
Gibbins, a former salesman who operates a stall selling novelty gifts, stated in court that he believed the post was a 'tongue-in-cheek joke' and an 'unreal scenario' that no one would take literally. He claimed to have written it after drinking alcohol, describing it as 'a bit naughty' but 'fun', and denied it was grossly offensive.
He was charged under the Communications Act 2003 in relation to the post from 2024. Gibbins is scheduled to be sentenced later today.