A British former police officer who sent multiple racist memes about the death of George Floyd on WhatsApp was sentenced to serve 20 weeks in jail.
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James Watts,31, worked for the West Mercia Police Force until he resigned after it was discovered he was sending the racist George Floyd memes to his friends and made references about not being able to breathe. In June 2020, an Asian male colleague reportedly became concerned with the images after Watts started sending them in their group chat. According to Birmingham Mail, the man told him to slow down with the memes but he continued. Later on, the former colleague exposed the messages on Twitter with the tweet: “Former work colleague now serving police officer sent these in group chat. What hope is there in police in the UK sharing these.”
Watts also sent disturbing messages about Floyd’s death via Facebook Messenger to his friends and family. in addition to the memes, he sent jokes about genitals. “He provided a full account at the interview. He admitted to having sent the images. He acknowledged they were inappropriate and explained he sent them into groups without any malicious intent. His intention was not to offend anybody,” said prosecutor Simon Brownsey.
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Prior to joining the force in September 2019, Watts worked as a prison guard at HMP Rye Hill
Watts reportedly acknowledged his mistakes as a police officer by sending offensive messages and called his actions “stupid and foolish.” Brownsey added that the messages had a profound effect on the former colleague’s mental health and confidence.
His defense attorney. Peter Arnold, said his client was remorseful of his actions.
“His foolishness and racism have cost him his job. He hasn’t stayed idle. He got work within months of resigning. He is married with a 17-month-old daughter.”
Judge Tan Ikram ordered Watts to pay the complainant £75 in addition to £115 for court fees and a victim surcharge.
“You were a prison officer. I have no doubt you would have received training in relation to diversity and inclusion in that role. At the time of these offenses, you were a police officer; a person who the public looks up to uphold the law. But you did the opposite.”
Social media reacts to the sentencing
Many Twitter users had mixed feelings about the sentencing as some agreed with it while others didn’t.
literally jailed for memes….
— VimesStone (@VimesStone) June 14, 2022
20 weeks isn’t enough for him, especially as someone in the police. They should face worse consequences for this.
— Ryan Colaço (Ryan C™) #BLM (@Ryan_Colaco) June 14, 2022
For what?! Sharing jokes on a PRIVATE phone?
This kind of Thought Police action belongs in Putin’s Russia, not here.
— John Jones (@JohnJones1066) June 14, 2022
James Watts, 31, was serving with West Mercia Police when he shared the racist crap about George Floyd.
And yet some wonder why many Black people don’t trust the police. https://t.co/fieH98ltG0
— Lorna_TVeditor (@Lorna_TVeditor) June 14, 2022