A man from Shropshire has been sentenced to eight months in prison after arguing in court that performing a Nazi salute was an expression of his 'human rights'. Thomas Sewell, 31, was found guilty of racially aggravated harassment following an incident in Market Drayton.
The court heard how Sewell targeted a woman on a public street, performing the offensive gesture directly at her. When confronted by police, he reportedly became aggressive and verbally abusive towards officers.
During his trial at Telford Magistrates' Court, Sewell attempted to defend his actions by claiming the salute was a form of free expression. District Judge Kevin Grego completely rejected this argument, stating the act was clearly intended to cause harassment, alarm, and distress.
Judge Grego emphasised that such behaviour has no place in a civilised society, particularly when designed to intimidate and threaten individuals. The eight-month sentence reflects the severity of the offence and its racially aggravated nature.
This case highlights the legal boundaries of free speech in the UK and the serious consequences of using racial hatred and intimidation in public spaces.
