Northampton wife of councillor pleads guilty over tweet

Lucy Connolly, the wife of a Conservative Party councillor, has pleaded guilty at Northampton Crown Court to publishing a social media post stirring up racial hatred against asylum seekers.

Connolly, 41-years-old, of Parkfield Avenue, Northampton, previously employed as a childminder, entered her plea via a video-link to HMP Peterborough.

Wearing a flower-patterned short-sleeved dress, Connolly spoke only to enter her plea and confirm that she could hear the judge during a hearing lasting seven minutes.

A previous hearing was told Connolly posted a message to X, on the day three girls were stabbed to death in Southport, calling for attacks on hotels which had been used to house those seeking asylum.

Adjourning Lucy Connolly's case for sentence at Birmingham Crown Court on October 17, Judge Adrienne Lucking KC told her the ordering of pre-sentence reports was no indication of the likely sentence.

The judge said the case was being transferred to Birmingham to avoid any potential appearance of bias given Connolly's husband held a political post in the local area.

Judge Lucking told Connolly: "Sentencing will entirely be a matter for the judge on the next occasion but it's likely to be a substantial custodial sentence.

"In the meantime, you are remanded in custody."

Hear the latest news on Downtown on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.