Sociology Talk

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A Preston journalist who was convicted of distributing racist
material, has skipped bail and fled to the United States to claim
political asylum.

Stephen Whittle was given bail by a judge at Leeds Crown Court on
Friday, after he was found guilty of a series of race-related
offences.

He was due to return to court on Monday, July 14, while a jury
continued deliberating over further charges, but he did not turn up.

On Tuesday night the 41-year-old, from Avenham Lane, Avenham, was held
by immigration officials at Los Angeles Airport.

It is believed Whittle travelled with his co-defendant Simon Sheppard
from the UK to Ireland by ferry before taking a direct flight to Los
Angeles.

A police spokeswoman said: “The two defendants failed to appear at
court and a bench warrant was issued by the court judge and HP
circulated an all ports warning.

“We are liaising with the US embassy to confirm where exactly they are
and what will now happen to them.”

Whittle was convicted of five counts of publishing racially
inflammatory written material.

Four of the verdicts were reached unanimously on Friday, and the fifth
was returned by a majority of 10 to one on Monday after Whittle had
absconded. Simon Sheppard, 51, of Brook Street, Selby, North
Yorkshire, was also found guilty after a seven-week trial of nine
counts of publishing racially inflammatory written material on a
website.

The jury were unable to reach verdicts on seven further race-related
charges which Sheppard faced.

The prosecution said Sheppard and Whittle were racists who held what
might be regarded as fairly extreme views about people who were
Jewish, black, Asian or Chinese.

The case is due to be considered further at a hearing at Leeds Crown
Court on July 28.

http://www.prestoncitizen.co.uk/news/3213270.Race_hate_accused_Preston_man_flees_to_America/

Within a few weeks they will be considered sub-culture heroes -
perhaps on a par with D.B Cooper in the USA. There could even be
merchandise! ("Escaped Heretic" T shirts?)

Their prosecution was shameful and oppressive - their "Failure to
appear" will now publicise these attacks on freedom of speech.

I wish them a long and happy retirement.

Read the opinion pieces that got the establishment's back up:
http://www.heretical.com/ofarrell/index.html