Retired police officer appeals Islam post conviction

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 17:31 · Archive

A retired Cleveland Police officer is appealing his conviction for posting about Islam on Facebook.

Stephen Gray, aged 65, from Darlington, was convicted in April at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court for malicious communication after re-posting a message on Facebook. The post, which included an image of a man in a "religious headdress", said: "Fun facts about Bacon! People who eat bacon have a lower chance of marrying a nine-year-old!" A district judge found it grossly offensive.

Gray, who served with Cleveland Police for 27 years, told Teesside Crown Court that he shared the post to highlight child marriage, forced marriage and the treatment of children. He said he felt "very strongly" about the issue, explaining: "I have two daughters, I fostered three girls. I look at these girls and I think they could be married (young) or abused and it doesn't sit happily with me." During cross-examination, he acknowledged the post referenced the Islamic faith.

The appeal is being heard at Teesside Crown Court, with Gray represented by barrister John Beggs KC. The Free Speech Union is supporting his appeal. The Crown Prosecution Service is represented by Shada Mellor.

How it is being reported

• Ex police officer from Darlington appeals conviction for 'offensive' post about IslamA retired police officer is appealing against a conviction for malicious communication after he posted an "offensive” message about Islam.The Northern Echo · 14 Nov, 17:15
• Retired Cleveland Police officer appeals conviction for 'offensive' Facebook post about IslamStephen Gray, who is appealing his conviction, is supported by the Free Speech UnionTeessideLive · 13 Nov, 15:19

In this story: Stephen Gray · Cleveland Police · Teesside Crown Court · Darlington · Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court

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