Police investigate Islamophobic tweets that led to suspension of Denmead councillor
POLICE are investigating a series of Islamophobic tweets from an account linked to a Denmead councillor, who has been suspended from the Conservative party.
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said officers are investigating tweets allegedly posted by a Winchester city councillor.
It comes as Cllr Judith Clemenston, who represents Denmead, has refused to admit or deny she runs the Twitter account @Clem205, which has has posted a series of inflammatory messages about Muslims.
The account has posted a series of tweets about ‘a ‘dangerous Muslim agenda for world domination’.
One message added: ‘Unfortunately, its difficult to tell the “nice, peaceful” Muslims from the radicalised terrorist and the “nice, peaceful” ones probably know who they are and do nothing to stop them.’
Anti-racism organisation Hope not Hate first linked her to the account in March this year.
In an e-mail to fellow councillors, seen by The News, Cllr Clementson said: ‘I do not intend to deny or admit that the private account Duffy Mac @Clem205 is my account but since I concur with the sentiments expressed, I am happy to own it!
‘That said, it is important to note that any tweet taken out of context is often misjudged.’
Cllr Clemenston is now listed as an independent councillor, having been removed from the Conservative opposition council group while she is suspended and investigated by the national party.
A spokesman from Hampshire Constabulary said: ‘We can confirm that we have received a report in relation to tweets posted by a Winchester councillor.
‘This was reported to us on June 23 and the allegation is being investigated. We ask that anyone with information contacts us on 101, quoting the reference 44200227899.’
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It follows two other councillors being suspended and investigated by the Conservative party.
Cosham ward member Lee Mason faces a probe for baking apparent swastikas on a hot cross bun, while Eastney and Craneswater’s Linda Symes shared ‘undeniably racist’ Facebook posts.