Ex-Labour councillor charged over video of Walthamstow protest
Ricky Jones, 57, has been charged with one count of encouraging violent disorder.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A former Labour councillor has been charged with encouraging violent disorder after he was filmed addressing a crowd in London on Wednesday.
Ricky Jones, 57, was arrested on Thursday after a video emerged in which he appeared to call for far-right protesters’ throats to be “cut” during a demonstration the previous day.
He is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday afternoon.
Jaswant Narwal, chief crown prosecutor for north London, said: “Jones was filmed addressing a crowd in Walthamstow on Wednesday August 7 during which he appeared to make remarks and a gesture to encourage others to act violently towards far-right protesters.”
Ms Narwal added: “We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Jones, who has been a councillor in Dartford, Kent, since 2019, has already been suspended by the Labour Party.
In reference to the video, a Labour spokesperson said: “This behaviour is completely unacceptable and it will not be tolerated.”