Man receives prison sentence for mosque arson threat on TikTok

A man has been incarcerated for issuing threats to set fire to mosques in a TikTok video, which was uploaded following civil unrest during the summer. James Aspin, from Blyth, Northumberland, posted the video on 8 August amidst national disturbances that arose after three young girls were fatally stabbed in Southport on 29 July. Appearing before Newcastle Crown Court, the 34-year-old admitted to the charge of stirring up religious hatred. Her Honour Judge Scott sentenced Aspin to 20 months in prison, remarking that the language he used in the video was “hugely offensive and dangerous” and characterized asylum seekers in a “despicable way”. The court was informed that Aspin, residing on Briardale Road, had 931 followers on the social media platform. His video, which was just under four minutes long, was shared five times. In the video, he stated his intention to “burn down every mosque in Newcastle”. Following his arrest, Aspin told police that he had been intoxicated and that the video was “just a rant”. Psychological reports presented to the court also described Aspin as “easily led” and “educationally limited”. Judge Scott highlighted the timing of the crime as an aggravating factor, noting that it occurred during a period of widespread violence in the country and a “particularly sensitive social climate”.