By Gavin Mackintosh-
A YouTuber has been sentenced for directing antisemitic abuse at a Jewish woman during a livestream.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) revealed that Allan Leggett appeared before Canterbury Crown Court on November 16, 2023, following an incident that transpired in September 2020.
The victim, a Jewish woman, was targeted by Leggett, a 44-year-old content creator, during a livestream.
Canterbury Crown Court heard on Thursday that just over a minute into the footage he turned his attention to Ms Chetrit, subjecting her to an outpouring of expletives and highly derogatory remarks.
These included branding her a “dirty little s**g” and “a Nazi c********r”.
Leggett, who pleaded guilty to sending an electronic communication with the intent to cause distress or anxiety, faced the court’s judgment in May 2022.
The recent sentencing marks a significant step in holding individuals accountable for their actions in the digital realm.
“Hate crime is truly abhorrent, and no one should be subjected to abuse online because of their race or religion,” stated the Crown Prosecution Service, emphasizing the severity of the offense. The decision sends a strong message that online platforms are not a safe haven for hate speech and that legal consequences await those who engage in such behavior.
The victim, who knew Leggett through her work, expressed relief at the court’s decision. The case sheds light on the importance of organizations actively working to combat online hate and protect individuals from targeted abuse based on their identity.
This decision will be viewed as setting a precedent for addressing hate crimes in the virtual sphere, acknowledging that the consequences of such actions extend beyond the digital realm.
With the rise of online platforms as spaces for communication and expression, the legal system is adapting to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in the digital landscape.