Man admits encouraging riots through Facebook

20/03/2012

A 20 year old man has today (20 March 2012) admitted setting up a Facebook page during last summer's riot to encourage others to join the disorder and initiating the next areas which should be targeted.   

Terry Balson entered a guilty plea at Wood Green Crown Court to one count of encouraging or assisting offences believing one or more will be committed contrary to section 46 of the Serious Crime Act.

CPS London Head of Special Operations Bridget Chohan said:

"Terry Balson did not riot on the streets but he committed a serious offence by setting up a Facebook page and encouraging others to take part in the disorder in London.

"Although those who took to the streets are accountable for their own actions, Balson also broke the law by providing those who wished to commit offences with an online community in which to make plans.

"The strength of the evidence put forward by the Crown Prosecution Service today has meant that Balson has entered a plea at an early stage in the proceeding and he will be sentenced by the court at a later date.

"This case should send a strong warning of the consequences there can be to posts on social media sites."

Balson is due to be sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court on 8 May 2012.