Humberside Police: Two men found guilty of inciting racial hatred
10 July, 2009
TWO men have been found guilty of publishing written material to stir up racial hatred at Leeds Crown Court on Monday.
Simon Guy SHEPPARD (19/02/57) of Brook Street, Selby and Stephen WHITTLE (29/07/66) of Avenham Lane, Preston faced a total of 18 charges between them.
The jury considered all the evidence and have found the defendants guilty on 11 charges; however were unable to reach a verdict on seven counts.
The trial began on 03 June 2008 and the case is next due before Leeds Crown Court on Monday 28 July 2008.
Adil KHAN, Head of Diversity at Humberside Police said, ‘I welcome the decision by the jury to find SHEPPARD and WHITTLE guilty of a number of charges.
‘The jury considered some of this material breached the law and found them guilty.
‘Inciting racial hatred is a crime and one which seems to occur too regularly. This kind of material will not be tolerated as this lengthy investigation shows.
‘These men were arrested in April 2006 by Humberside Police with the assistance of North Yorkshire Police and Lancashire Police and were charged with offences dating between 2004 and 2006.
‘I would like to thank all those who gave evidence in the trial and came forward to help police with the investigation.
‘Anyone who has been affected by the trial or the material is urged to contact Humberside Police Diversity Unit on 0845 60 60 222.
‘Anyone who receives copies of such material or who comes across any on the internet they are advised to contact police either by telephone or by visiting a neighbourhood policing team.’”