Glenn Gibbins, a 66-year-old Reform UK councillor, has been formally charged following a controversial social media publication directed at Nigerians. Northumbria Police stated the charge relates to a violation of the Communications Act 2003 regarding a post shared earlier this year.
The message, which suggested melting down Nigerians to repair road defects, triggered an internal investigation by his political party. Gibbins initially faced a final written warning and a temporary suspension before the party eventually restored his membership. Law enforcement began looking into the matter in May and eventually handed their findings to the Crown Prosecution Service, which sanctioned the criminal charge.
Authorities have requested that the public avoid discussing the matter online or in person to ensure the integrity of the judicial process. The Sunderland-based official is set to face South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on August 21. A representative for Reform UK confirmed they are tracking the situation and will wait for the final court ruling before taking further action.
