Officers investigating hate crime offences linked to the war in Israel and Gaza have secured a conviction against a woman who carried an offensive placard at a protest.
Laura Davis, 21 (31.07.02) of Hendon Way, Barnet appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 30 November where she pleaded guilty to racially aggravated threatening and abusive behaviour, intended to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
She was fined £100 and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £40 and costs of £85.
Davis was stopped by officers in Regent Street on the evening of Saturday, 28 October.
She was part of a breakaway protest group and had been seen on CCTV to be carrying a placard which read: “FREE PALESTINE!! ISRA*L BURN IN HELL”.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine, who will be leading the policing operation ahead of this weekend’s protests, said: “We have been clear that while the right to protest lawfully must be respected, that does not extend to actions or statements that cross the line from political speech into criminality.
“While the majority of those attending protests have done so lawfully, it is regrettable that we have seen a number of people who have turned up carrying signs or chanting in a way that they should know will cause alarm or distress to others and in particular those in our Jewish communities.
“If you are coming out to protest, please think carefully about how slogans and statements might impact others. We will not tolerate hate speech or abuse.
“Anyone who continues to engage in that sort of behaviour, despite the clear warnings we have provided, will face police action and could end up before the courts.”
