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Bexley Blogger, Olly Cromwell, Sentenced in Twitter Trial - Posted 09/05/2012

Aletta Shaw acted for Bexley blogger, Olly Cromwell (real name John Graham Kerlen), at his sentencing hearing at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on 9^th May 2012.

On 13 April 2012, Cromwell was convicted under section 127 of the Communications Act 2003 for sending two tweets about Bexley Council, one of which contained a profanity (c***) and a photograph.  Previously, Cromwell had been charged with harassment and incitement to commit criminal damage, but those charges were dropped on the basis that there was no evidence and the Prosecution was misconceived.

Despite the Prosecution proposing a custodial sentence, the District Judge decided that Cromwell should receive 80 hours unpaid work. A restraining order was imposed, but vastly reduced from the widely drafted and very restricted order sought by Bexley Council.  Notwithstanding his conviction we secured a full costs order for the harassment charge which was thrown out. 

More details to follow tomorrow.