Overview
- Barton was convicted in November on six of 12 counts for posts targeting Jeremy Vine, Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward between January and March 2024.
- Offending included a superimposed image likening Aluko and Ward to serial killers Fred and Rose West and repeated posts that falsely implied Vine had a sexual interest in children.
- Judge Andrew Menary called the communications "obviously grossly offensive" and said some posts about Aluko were aggravated by hostility based on race.
- The sentence is six months' custody suspended for 18 months, with 200 hours of unpaid work, £23,419 in prosecution costs, and two-year restraining orders barring any contact or references to the victims on social or broadcast platforms.
- The judge said the custodial threshold was met but suspended the term because Barton had taken steps to moderate his online behavior and showed some prospect of rehabilitation, noting the penalty could be activated if he reoffends.