Glenn Gibbins, a Reform councillor on Sunderland City Council, has been charged with making a grossly offensive message on social media after an alleged racist comment about Nigerians. Northumbria Police confirmed the charge under the Communications Act 2003.
Details of the charge
The force said the offence relates to a post from 2024 that referenced the Nigerian community. Police were alerted to the post in May, launched an investigation, and later submitted a file to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised the charge.
Court appearance
The 66-year-old from Sunderland is due to appear at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on August 21.
Police statement
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “We are aware there has already been significant interest in relation to this individual and the social media post. We would urge people not to speculate both online and in the community in relation to this case.”
Party response
Gibbins was suspended by Reform but later reinstated, according to reports.
