A taxi driver who incited violence through social media following the Southport attack has been sentenced to seven and a half years behind bars. Andrew McIntyre, 39, set up a Telegram channel named “Southport Wake Up” shortly after the knife attack at a local children’s dance class on July 29, 2022, as revealed during his trial at Liverpool Crown Court.
Judge Neil Flewitt KC remarked on McIntyre’s prominence among those spreading misinformation after the Southport attack, stating, “You were motivated by racial hatred. I have no doubt your actions encouraged many people to plan and then to commit offences of both violent disorder and criminal damage.” The judge noted the seriousness of the charges, emphasizing they were aggravated due to their racially hostile nature and their incitement of violence against police officers.
Arthur Gibson, prosecuting, described the events surrounding the Southport riots as possessing a “sinister aspect” of violence, prompted not by spontaneous reactions but by organized incitement, with McIntyre at the center of it. His actions reportedly sparked disorder across the UK last summer, reflecting the dangerous consequences of online rhetoric.
McIntyre's Telegram channel was highlighted by the anti-hate group Hope Not Hate as being fundamental to the violent unrest. He pleaded guilty to charges of encouraging violent disorder and criminal damage as well as possession of a knife. Significant posts from his channel showed shared content from sites associated with the far-right, such as Tommy Robinson’s Britain First movement, including maps marking the location of local mosques, which McIntyre encouraged his followers to target.
On the evening before the July 30 riots, McIntyre posted what was described as a “clear threat to police,” stating, “Message to All ... Stand in our way, even if you’re just doing your job ... prepare to fall.” This rallying call drew significant attention from authorities, and fears escalated as violence erupted soon thereafter. McIntyre’s location was traced, putting his phone near St Luke’s Road during the riots, underscoring his direct involvement.
The day after the violence, he boasted on social media, “Well done last night lads, to all you heavy hitters. Are you ready for Round 2??? … Liverpool Mosque, West Derby Road, Friday 8pm.” His posts exemplify the heated atmosphere following the Southport attack, where misinformation had spread quickly, inciting unrest.
With the unrest sweeping across various parts of Britain, police eventually intercepted McIntyre on August 8, leading to his arrest. During the search of his vehicle, officers discovered a knife concealed within the boot, alongside weapons and copies of extreme literature, including Hitler’s Mein Kampf, back at his home. Gibson noted the suspicion surrounding McIntyre's unwillingness to provide police with the PIN to his mobile phone, asserting, “The only reasonable inference is you knew if interrogated your mobile phone would reveal evidence of your involvement.”
While being remanded at HMP Liverpool, McIntyre attended court proceedings via videolink. His parents were present during the hearing, expressing their horror at the situation he found himself in. His defense attorney, Julian Nutter, mentioned, “His parents are horrified,” emphasizing McIntyre’s previously good character and lack of prior criminal records. The court received letters from family members and friends attesting to his character, contrasting sharply with the prosecution’s portrayal of him as inciter of disorder.
Initially facing more severe charges, including encouraging murder for posts linked to the Home Secretary, the Crown Prosecution Service opted not to pursue those counts due to evidential issues. The charge was left to lie upon the file, reflecting the judicial process's complexity and the nuanced legal interpretation of McIntyre’s threats and incitements.
The violence following the Southport attack was fueled by misinformation and escalated racial tensions. Following the tragic incident, where three girls were killed, various groups took to the streets, wrongfully spreading rumors about the assailant, Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, being connected to asylum-seeking communities. Rudakubana faces serious charges, including multiple counts of murder linked to the attack, which sparked outrage and protest across regions.
This case serves as a stark reminder about the incendiary power of misinformation and the ways social media platforms can be subverted to spread hate and incite violence. The ripple effects have reverberated across communities, raising questions about responsible speech, public safety, and the legal frameworks surrounding hate speech and incitement to violence. The far-reaching consequences of McIntyre's online activities highlight an urgent need for vigilance against bigotry and discrimination in the face of societal tragedy.