60-Year-Old Man Who Sent Racist Messages to Footballer Jess Carter Escapes Jail

A 60-year-old man from Great Harwood, Lancashire, has been given a suspended sentence after sending racist messages to England defender Jess Carter. The posts were published during last summer’s European Championship in Switzerland.

Investigation and arrest

The UK Football Policing Unit opened an inquiry into online abuse targeted at Carter. Officers traced two posts on a TikTok account to the suspect’s home and arrested him at the end of August.

Police found an extendable baton during a search of the property. He later admitted possession of the weapon in a private place.

Court case and sentence

At Blackburn Magistrates Court in January, the man pleaded guilty to malicious communications. He also admitted the weapon charge.

The court imposed a six-week custodial term, suspended for 12 months. He faces a four-year ban from attending football grounds.

Additional conditions include 10 rehabilitation days and a three-month curfew. The curfew requires him to remain at home between 8pm and 6am.

Nature of the messages

The posts were sent from a TikTok account using the handle Bogeyman. They included racist insults and criticisms of televising women’s football.

Prosecutors said the messages caused emotional distress to Carter and her family. Authorities noted the offender was intoxicated when he posted.

Responses and wider context

Cheshire’s football policing lead condemned the messages as “totally abhorrent.” The Crown Prosecution Service warned online abuse will have consequences.

Carter, 28, plays for Gotham FC in the United States. She was part of the Lionesses squad that defended their title at the Switzerland tournament.

She stopped using social media after receiving abuse. She has since spoken publicly about stereotypes faced by Black women in Britain.

The case underscores growing efforts to tackle online hate. Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments.