A MAN has been jailed after encouraging people to engage in rioting online.

Richard David Williams, aged 34 and of Maes Deri in Ewloe, Flintshire, appeared before Mold Magistrates Court on Friday morning charged with malicious communications.

This followed the posting of material on a social media site, and was connected with the ongoing national tensions, where Williams encouraged others to engage in riots.

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced in the afternoon to 12 weeks in prison.

Speaking after sentencing, Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman KPM said: "This serves as a timely reminder that North Wales Police takes any allegation of criminality, whether committed online or in person, extremely seriously.

Richard David Williams (NWP)Richard David Williams (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police) "Those who post online in a criminally irresponsible way must realise they will be located, swiftly investigated, and placed before the court."

Jenny Hopkins, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Cymru/Wales, said: “Williams wrongly thought that he could spread derogatory and menacing content from behind a computer screen.

“Despite not taking part in unrest himself, he used social media to encourage others to engage in violent behaviour.

“I hope today’s result sends a clear message to those using the internet to sow division – your actions have consequences and you will be prosecuted.”