Waltham Forest (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Labour Cllr Ricky Jones, 58-years-old is on trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court over calling demonstrators “disgusting Nazi fascists” during a protest confrontation.
Following the demonstration, which was organized in reaction to plans for a far-right march outside the Waltham Forest Immigration Bureau, a video of Jones speaking to crowds on Hoe Street in Walthamstow, east London, on August 7 of last year went popular on social media.
The now-suspended councillor, wearing a black polo top and surrounded by cheering supporters, said:
“They are disgusting Nazi fascists. We need to cut all their throats and get rid of them all.”
As he addressed the audience, he also pulled his finger over his throat.
On Friday, after just over 30 minutes of deliberation, the jury declared him not guilty.
In the dock, Jones was spotted mouthing “thank you” to the jurors while sporting a navy blue suit, white shirt, and pale pink tie.
Before Jones, who would not remark on the decision, was transported in a car from the court premises, family members and supporters gave each other hugs.
The 58-year-old was arrested on August 8 of last year and questioned that evening at the Brixton police station. At the time, he was also working as a full-time official for the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) union.
The day following the event, Jones, a Dartford, Kent, borough councillor since 2019, was suspended by the Labour Party.
The court was previously informed by prosecutor Ben Holt that Jones, a grandfather and father of four, used “inflammatory, rabble-rousing language in the throng of a crowd described as a tinderbox.”
He informed jurors that Jones’s speech was delivered “in a setting where violence could readily have been anticipated” and was amplified by speakers and a microphone.
According to Jones’ testimony during his trial, his remark was directed at those who had allegedly placed National Front stickers on a train with razor blades concealed underneath them, not at far-right demonstrators who were taking part in the disturbances at the time.
Before he made the comment, jurors were shown a video where he said to crowds:
“You’ve got women and children using these trains during the summer holidays.
They don’t give a shit about who they hurt.”
He told the court he was “appalled” by political violence, adding:
“I’ve always believed the best way to make people realise who you are and what you are is to do it peacefully.”
Jones, who claimed to be on the left of the Labour Party, had earlier told jurors that the riots had left him feeling “upset” and “angry” and that he felt compelled to attend counter-protests even though the Labour Party had cautioned him not to.
How did social media influence the public’s perception of Ricky Jones’ remarks?
A video clip of Jones making his inflammatory comments calling demonstrators “disgusting Nazi fascists” and saying “we need to cut all their throats” went viral on social media platforms. This rapid sharing exposed a large audience quickly to his words, intensifying public reaction.
The video sparked polarized opinions online. Some condemned Jones’ language as unacceptable and inciting violence, expressing shock and outrage. Others defended him, arguing his comments were made “in the heat of the moment” and contextualizing them as a response to provocative far-right actions.
Social media amplified calls for Jones to be held accountable, with petitions and hashtags demanding suspension or legal action.