Suspended Labour Councillor’s Trial for Riot Speech Delayed – Jones Accused of Calling to ‘Cut Throats’ of Fascists!

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The trial of Ricky Jones, a suspended Labour councillor facing a serious criminal charge related to an incendiary speech made during anti-fascist protests last summer, has been postponed until August 2025.

Jones, 57, stands accused of encouraging violent disorder after delivering a speech in Walthamstow, East London, on August 7, 2024. Video footage of the event, widely shared online, captured Jones making inflammatory comments referencing “disgusting Nazi fascists” and allegedly stating that the crowd needed to “cut their throats and get rid of them.”

The case, originally scheduled to be heard at Snaresbrook Crown Court on January 20, 2025, was adjourned following an application to vacate the trial date. The presiding judge, His Honour Oscar Del Fabbro, granted the delay, with the trial now listed to begin on August 11, 2025.

Jones, who has denied the charge, entered a plea of not guilty during a preliminary hearing in September 2024. He was initially remanded in custody but later released on bail pending trial.

The charge stems from an incident at a heated anti-fascist rally in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, during which Jones is alleged to have used provocative language and gestures aimed at inciting violence against right-wing protesters. At the time, Jaswant Narwal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London North, issued a reminder that criminal proceedings were active, emphasizing the need for restraint in public commentary.

“We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings are active and that he has the right to a fair trial,” said Ms. Narwal. “It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

The delay in proceedings marks a significant development in a case that has already attracted substantial media attention and political scrutiny. Jones remains suspended from the Labour Party pending the outcome of the trial.

Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all, stay safe, and I’ll see you then.

Bénédict Tarot Freeman

Editor-at-Large

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