Ex-soldier jailed for anti-Islam Facebook posts

A former soldier who posted a series of anti-Islamic messages on Facebook has been jailed.

Daffron Williams, 41, of Tonypandy, Rhondda Cynon Taf, wrote: "Civil war is here. The only thing missing is bullets, that's the next step."

Cardiff Crown Court was told the Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, who has PTSD, sent the messages before and after three girls were stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in Southport in July, sparking riots.

Williams, who pleaded guilty to stirring up racial hatred, was sentenced to two years, half of which will be spent in prison, with the other half on licence.

Alex Orndal prosecuting said South Wales Police began an investigation after two separate reports from members of the public about the contents of his Facebook page.

"These were open Facebook posts meaning any member of the public could view his comments."

In one post Williams wrote, he is only racist "to those who suck the life out of our culture. As a culture we are too nice and soft.

"They want us to be Islamic, that's why they are here."

In another post he wrote, "Come on guys, it's time to stand up. Everything our ancestors, our grandparents and parents fought for is gone, don't be scared."

Two days after the stabbings in Southport, Williams posted a series of AI images, one showed a child dressed as a medieval knight carrying sword next to lion. The caption with it read "Time to wake up the lion to save our children's future".

Another AI image depicted a man wearing what was described in court as "traditional Islamic clothing" with a large knife being held over his head.

A third image depicted a group of men in traditional Islamic dress chasing a crying child in a Union flag t-shirt in front of the Houses of Parliament.

Defending, John Allchurch said Williams continues to suffer from PTSD because of his military service in Afghanistan and Iraq. He was referred to NHS Veterans Wales but was unable to complete a 16-week course because of the Covid outbreak.

Mr Allchurch said his client had experienced multiple traumatic events between 2004 and 2011, including close combat during his military service.

The court was told Williams has spent time on remand at HMP Swansea taking courses including modules on diversity.

He was commended in a letter from a prison tutor for his "positive attitude and high degree of integrity".

He was praised for his interaction with other inmates on courses for his "excellent communication skills and his great ability to interact with team mates".

He was described as "a positive role model".

Williams has four previous convictions for seven offences including three for drink driving and one conviction by a Military Court for drunkenness.

Sentencing him, Judge Lloyd-Clarke acknowledged the references and his military background, telling him: "People speak very well of you, you have served your country and community."

Judge Lloyd-Clarke also said she noted his mental ill health, but said his actions were serious and had crossed the custody threshold.

"Your references to war and bullets indicates your intention to incite serious violence. You knew exactly what you were doing, your posts were intentional."