A former Labour councillor is set to stand trial next year over an allegation he encouraged violent disorder in a speech to an anti-fascist protest during the recent riots.
Ricky Jones, 57, was filmed telling a crowd on August 7: “They are disgusting fascists and we need to cut all their throats and get rid of them all."
He has been a councillor in Dartford, Kent, since 2019, and was suspended by the Labour Party in the wake of the video circulating online.
The protest he addressed in Walthamstow was called in response to days of rioting and violent disorder by far-right groups.
Jones, who has been held in custody since his arrest, appeared on a video link from HMP Wormwood Scrubs to Snaresbrook crown court on Friday.
He pleaded not guilty to encouraging or assisting in the commission of an offence, and a five-day trial was set for January 20 next year.
Jones is accused of encouraging violent disorder with his speech on August 7, as well as “believing it would be committed” as a result of his words.
The councillor was remanded back into custody at Friday’s hearing, but the court was told a bail application is set to be made.
Jones, who lives in Dartford, is set to return to court for the bail application on a date to be set, as well as a pre-trial review set for December 9.
Here is everything we know about him:
Who is Ricky Jones?
Ricky Jones is a 57-year-old man who was a politician for the Labour Party until recently.
He has served as a local councillor in Dartford in Kent since 2019, but was suspended after the recent riots and his subsequent arrest.
Jones also worked as an organiser for the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) union.
It is believed he is married with children, however, no details on his family have ever been made public.
What did Labour say about his arrest?
After footage was posted of the incident, a Labour Party spokesperson said: “This behaviour is completely unacceptable and it will not be tolerated. The councillor has been suspended from the party.'”
The TSSA is also understood to have severed ties with him.
A TSSA spokesperson said: “TSSA remains steadfast in supporting communities that peacefully stand against fascist aggression. We unequivocally do not condone any threats or acts of violence, as these actions are contrary to our values.”
