A former soldier, Daffron Williams, aged 40, has been sentenced to two years in prison for making Facebook posts that incited racial hatred following the Southport attacks.

Williams, who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, pleaded guilty to publishing material likely to stir up racial animosity between July 19 and August 11. The case was heard at Cardiff Crown Court.

The court was informed that Williams' posts were made before and after the tragic stabbing of three girls during a dance class on July 29. He referred to controversial figure Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, as a “f***ing hero” in his messages.

On July 30, the day after the stabbings, Williams posted: “Civil war is here. The only thing that’s missing is bullets. That’s the next step.” It was noted that Williams, residing in Tonypandy, South Wales, has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from his military service.

Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, Recorder of Cardiff, highlighted the significant public disorder following the Southport incidents, stating that South Wales Police received complaints regarding Williams' public Facebook profile on July 31.

The judge remarked on the number of “racist comments” Williams had made prior to the attacks, emphasizing serious remarks including “Let’s just do something FFS” and the threats of civil war.

Williams was arrested on August 11, where he expressed regret for his posts when confronted by police.

While the judge acknowledged Williams' PTSD as a mitigating factor, she stated, “You knew exactly what you were doing; your posts were intentional.”

Judge Lloyd-Clarke mentioned that references highlighting Williams’ community contributions alongside his military service were considered but ultimately deemed insufficient to mitigate the severity of his offenses.

Prosecutor Alex Orndal confirmed that Williams had pleaded guilty at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court and had been in custody since.

Williams made further inflammatory comments on social media, stating: “I am racist as f***, only to those who sap the life out of society and disrespect culture. Our future as British is so uncertain it is unreal.” On July 24, he encouraged others to rise against perceived injustices.

Engaging further in the divisive rhetoric, he shared images from a Tommy Robinson rally he attended on July 27, implying that support for such movements could lead to liberation.

In the aftermath of the Southport incident, Williams also posted AI-generated images that exacerbated the situation.

Williams' defense attorney, John Allchurch, attributed his client’s behavior to his diagnosis of PTSD due to traumatic experiences in combat. He noted the soldier faced intense psychological challenges following his time in service from 2004 to 2011.

Mr. Allchurch detailed the trauma Williams experienced, including witnessing the deaths of comrades and exposure to disturbing online material that contributed to his deteriorating mental health.