A man who posted a vile online comment saying that "Hitler has been proven right" has been sentenced following a private prosecution initiated by Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA).
Alun Coleman, 71, from Gainsborough, was sentenced in October 2024 after admitting to an offence under of the Communications Act 2003.
The case, initially brought as a private prosecution by CAA then taken over by the Crown Prosecution Service, stemmed from a comment Mr Coleman making antisemitic comment to a woman showing support for Israel on social media just after the October 7 massacre.
The CAA was able to identify Coleman through the name on his Facebook account and subsequently applied for a summons, which was approved by Lincoln Magistrates' Court.
The case was then passed on to the CPS, which chose to take over the prosecution.
As part of his sentence, Mr Coleman was ordered to pay a fine, a victim surcharge, and prosecution costs.
Stephen Silverman, Director of Investigations and Enforcement at CAA, commented, "Alun Coleman’s sentencing represents a win against those who think they can spread hate against Jews online with impunity.
“When antisemitism crosses into criminal territory and the authorities fail to act, we will step in to ensure justice, as we have done here."
Silverman concluded, “Those who target Jews should understand that they will face serious consequences, and spreading hate online does not shield them from the law.”
