Warning over social network websites (From This Is Cheshire)

Warning over social network websites

3:30pm Friday 10th February 2012 in News By Matthew Hobbs

LEGAL experts have issued a warning about the dangers of using Facebook and Twitter.

Incidents of social networking websites being used in a potentially criminal manner are on the increase, according to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Paul Whittaker, chief crown prosecutor of CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said: “We are seeing more and more instances of people using social media in a way which has the potential to undermine prosecutions or even put them at risk of prosecution.

“What many people may not realise is that posting information on social media means that the information is effectively in the public domain and can be viewed by anyone.

“This can expose the user to arrest and prosecution if their activity breaks the law.”

The warning comes after the case of Latchford man Perry Sutcliffe-Keenan, who set up a Facebook page urging people to riot during the widespread unrest last summer.

The defendant, formerly of Richmond Avenue, was jailed for four years by Recorder of Chester Elgan Edwards for creating the ‘Warrington Riot’ group on August 16.

Mr Edwards said he hoped it would act as a deterrent, but the length of sentence was met with a mixed reaction from residents.

Sutcliffe-Keenan, known as Pezz to friends, then had his appeal against the conviction for inciting public disorder turned down in October.

Jordan Blackshaw was also jailed for four years for encouraging a riot in his hometown of Northwich.

Mr Whittaker said the penalties should ‘highlight the dangers’ of using Facebook.

“The cases of Blackshaw and Sutcliffe-Keenan highlight the potential dangers of misuse of social media.

“Both of these young men ultimately paid with their liberty.

“Illegal on-line activity does not have to relate to riots – it can be any encouragement to carry out any criminal act.”