Men jailed after posting racist messages on social media

Two men have been jailed after posting racist messages on social media.

Christopher Taggart, 36, of Ceasars Close, Runcorn, and Rhys McDonald, 34, of Oxford Road, Runcorn, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday 13 August.

Taggart was sentenced to 32 months and McDonald was sentenced to 28 months after they both pleaded guilty to publishing written material to stir up racial hatred. Taggart also pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.

On Monday 5 August, Cheshire Police became aware of concerning messages which were openly available to view on Facebook, posted by both Taggart and McDonald.

This included multiple posts containing racial abuse and encouraging people to engage in racial hatred.

Taggart posted these messages between 29 July and 6 August, while McDonald posted between 29 July and 5 August.

From their online profiles, officers worked to identify and locate the pair, and they were subsequently arrested on Saturday 10 August.

Upon arrest, Taggart’s home address was searched, and officers located a knuckle duster.

The two men were ultimately charged with the offences and pleaded guilty.

Chief Superintendent Alison Ross said:

“Since the start of the recent disorder in other areas of the UK, we have been clear that we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour in Cheshire, including those who post racial abuse online.

“Much of the violent disorder which has taken place across the UK in recent weeks has been fuelled by malicious communications online, something which Taggart and McDonald decided to take part in.

“But they were not able to hide behind their devices and online accounts - they were soon identified and are now being held accountable.

“This should serve as a stark reminder against posting abusive messages online – we are all responsible for our actions, including what we post on social media.”

Pictured - (L-R) Christopher Taggart and Rhys McDonald.