West Yorkshire Police detention officer charged with posting grossly offensive messages on Twitter to appear in court

Tom Coates
By Tom Coates
Published 13th Mar 2023, 15:36 BST
Updated 13th Mar 2023, 15:36 BST
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A West Yorkshire Police detention officer is set to appear in court after being charged with posting grossly offensive messages on Twitter.

William Loyd-Hughes, 26, was based at Huddersfield Police Station and is accused three charges under the Communications Act 2003 of sharing grossly offensive messages on Twitter. He is also accused of publishing images in support of a proscribed organisation, the Ulster Defence Association, contrary to the Terrorism Act 2000.

He is due to make his first appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on March 15. A spokesperson for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said: “A West Yorkshire Police (WYP) detention officer is due to appear in court after being charged with posting grossly offensive messages on Twitter.

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"The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) directed an investigation, carried out by Counter Terrorism Policing North East, into the messages following a mandatory referral from WYP in September 2022.

He is due to make his first appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on March 15. Image: NIKLAS HALLE'N/AFP via Getty ImagesHe is due to make his first appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on March 15. Image: NIKLAS HALLE'N/AFP via Getty Images
He is due to make his first appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on March 15. Image: NIKLAS HALLE'N/AFP via Getty Images

“The case was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised four charges against William Loyd-Hughes. The 26-year-old, who was based at Huddersfield Police Station, is accused of publishing images in support of a proscribed organisation, the Ulster Defence Association, contrary to the Terrorism Act 2000; and three charges under the Communications Act 2003 of sharing grossly offensive messages on Twitter.

“The alleged offences are believed to have taken place in August and September 2022, while he was serving with WYP. Loyd-Hughes, who is currently suspended by the force, is due to make his first appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 15 March."