NEWS
UK Councillor, Glenn Gibbins Charged Over Allegedly Offensive Social Media Post Referencing Nigerian Community
A councillor in the United Kingdom has been charged over an allegedly grossly offensive social media post linked to a comment referencing the Nigerian community, in a case that has attracted widespread public attention.
Glenn Gibbins, a Reform UK councillor serving on Sunderland City Council, is facing a charge under the Communications Act 2003 in connection with a social media post made in 2024.
The development follows an internal investigation by Reform UK, which previously examined the circumstances surrounding the post. At the conclusion of its probe, the party issued Gibbins with a final written warning.
Authorities have now confirmed that criminal proceedings are underway. Northumbria Police said the charge relates specifically to the online post, adding that the matter is now before the courts.
In a statement, the force acknowledged the level of public interest generated by the case and urged restraint as legal proceedings begin.
Police said they were “aware there has already been significant interest” in the matter and appealed to members of the public not to speculate about the case either online or within the community.
According to the police, Gibbins, 66, who is from the Sunderland area, is scheduled to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court next month, where the case will be heard.
Reacting to the development, a spokesperson for Reform UK confirmed that the party is following the case closely, saying: “The party is aware of the situation involving Councillor Gibbins. We will monitor the verdict closely“
The case is expected to draw further attention as it proceeds through the UK judicial system, with the court set to determine the outcome of the charge against the councillor.