Suspended councillor Ricky Jones faces court over explosive Walthamstow rally speech as prosecutors allege he incited violence — trial begins today.
The upcoming Crown Court trial of suspended Waltham Forest councillor Ricky Jones is set to be one of the inmost closely watched political cases of 2025. Prosecutors allege that on 7 August 2024, during a public speech in Walthamstow, Jones used highly charged language that encouraged members of the crowd to commit violent disorder.
The speech was recorded, widely shared online, and quickly drew police attention. He was later charged with encouraging violent disorder under the Serious Crime Act 2007 — an offence carrying a potential sentence of up to ten years’ imprisonment. Jones, 57, has pleaded not guilty and maintains that his words were taken out of context and did not incite any unlawful action.
His Defence barrister Hossein Zahir KC previously said Jones accepted the words had been spoken but denied knowing the offence of violent disorder would be committed.
From Monday 11 August 2025, Video Production News will be reporting direct from court with rolling live text updates on this page — bringing you every development as it happens. Our in-court reporting will be fully complemented by real-time coverage on our brand-new “UK Courts Live” feed on X, giving you instant updates, reaction, and key legal context straight from the press bench.
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Allegation: Prosecutors say Jones urged a Walthamstow crowd on 7 Aug 2024 to commit violence during a public speech. He denies wrongdoing and claims his remarks were taken out of context.
The jury hears Ricky Jones endured persistent racial abuse & bullying throughout his school years — a background that is argued shaped his decisions, & vulnerability to the path that ultimately led him into this criminal case.
🔴11:30: JURY SENT OUR FOR DELIBERATION:
🔴 11:30 JONES KNEW EXACTLY WHAT HE WAS DOING
Prosecution argues Ricky Jones acted with clear intent, citing calculated actions as regards the offence — behaviour consistent with deliberate planning, not a spontaneous act. Evidence points to knowledge & control during the incident, the prosecution claims.
🔴 EVIDENCE SPEAKS LOUDER THAN EXCUSES
Mr Holt points to forensic, CCTV, & witness testimony aligning with the Crown’s account. This, he says, leaves “no innocent explanation” for Jones’s conduct, with the combined evidence painting a single, inescapable picture of guilt.
🔴 NO ROOM FOR DOUBT IN THIS CASE
Jurors told that the Crown’s case meets the high bar of proof — beyond reasonable doubt. Holt stresses inconsistencies in Jones’s version of events, contrasting them with the unshaken, corroborated accounts.
🔴1045: RICKY JONES TRIAL – TODAYS SCHEDULE
According to today’s court schedule, proceedings in the Ricky Jones trial here at SnaresBrook court 1 are allegedly set to conclude by 12:00pm — so we’re not expecting a long one today.
🔴 WE’RE BACK IN COURT FOR RICKY JONES TRIAL – AUGUST 15 – DAY 5
We’re back at Snaresbrook Crown Court for Day 5 of the high-profile Ricky Jones trial. Her Honour Judge Dean presiding — follow our real-time online reporting for the most accurate updates as they happen.
RICKY JONES TRIAL - AUG 14- DAY 4:
🔴 4:20 Day 4 Ends — in Ricky Jones Trial
Jury stood down as day 4 of the Ricky Jones trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court concludes. Court 1 resumes tomorrow — follow @UKCourtsLive & turn on notifications for live, real-time updates
🔴 4:00: Defence Witness: Rally Background
Court hears the rally was organised against a planned far-right march in Walthamstow, following unrest after last summer’s Southport murders.
🔴 Defence Witness: Labour Warning
Jury told Labour warned Jones to stay away from such demonstrations. Jones had previously said he would have attended anyway to: “Support our communities.”
🔴 3:40: Defence Witness: Rally Mood
Courtney tells the jury the Walthamstow rally mood was “peaceful” & Jones’s words “didn’t gel” with the event, so attendees did not respond to them.
🔴 Defence Witness: No Call to Violence
Asked by Hossein Zahir KC if Jones had ever encouraged violence, Courtney replies: “No.” & Maintains the remark was out of place & out of character.
🔴 3:35: Defence Witness: Kevin Courtney Speaks
Kevin Courtney, retired teacher & ex-NEU joint general secretary, tells the court Ricky Jones’s ‘cutting throats’ comment was:
“Completely out of character.”
Courtney says he had “never” heard Jones say anything similar before. Described the remark as “wrong” & “a complete shock” when he later saw the video.
🔴 RICKY JONES’S CLAIMS OF RACE ABUSE DO NOT JUSTIFY HIS THROAT SLITTING CALLS’
Mr Holt further added that Ricky Jones ‘abhorrent & distressing’ experience of racial abuse still does not justify urging his supporters to cut the throats of his opponents.
🔴 2:10 - PROSECUTION QUESTIONS RELEVANCE OF HISTORY
Jury invited to focus on the events in question, with prosecution suggesting earlier life experiences should not diminish responsibility for remarks made ⬇️
🔴 ARGUMENT CENTRED ON DEFENDANT’S AGENCY
Prosecution contends the defendant was fully capable of making conscious choices at the time, regardless of any historic challenges ⬇️
🔴 FOCUS RETURNED TO INCIDENT UNDER TRIAL
Counsel for the Crown urges the jury to weigh the actual words & actions during the rally, rather than background factors put forward by the defence
🔴 2:00: BACKGROUND FACTORS INTRODUCED IN DEFENCE
Defence suggests the jury should consider formative experiences in assessing the defendant’s actions & responses in the circumstances of this case⬇️
🔴 DEFENCE LINKS PAST EXPERIENCES TO CONDUCT
Court hears the argument that historic challenges & treatment in earlier life may inform understanding of the defendant’s behaviour ⬇️
🔴 CHARACTERISATION OF DEFENDANT’S REACTIONS
Counsel indicates that personal history & past adversity could be relevant to how remarks were made & interpreted at the time of the alleged offence
🔴 1:00: Defence Raises School Bullying
Mr Zahir KC tells the court Ricky Jones endured racial abuse & persistent bullying at school — arguing this shaped his responses & behaviour.
🔴 12:25 Updates: ADHD Defence Argument
Ricky Jones is back on the stand as his legal team argue that his ADHD — and its impact on impulse control — is a key factor in their mitigation case.
Defence continues exploring how ADHD can impair decision-making under stress — suggesting this may have played a role in the incident.
Court hears further discussion on how Jones’ ADHD could have influenced his responses during key moments at the centre of the case.
🔴 11:00: RICKY JONES TRIAL – AUGUST 14 – DAY 4
We’re back for Day 4 of the high-profile Ricky Jones trial.
Her Honour Judge Dean presiding — follow our real-time reporting online for the most accurate updates as they happen here.
RICKY JONES TRIAL - AUG 13- DAY 3:
🔴 4:20: ATTENDANCE AGAINST ADVICE DISCUSSED — ‘DUTY’ TO ATTEND COUNTER-PROTEST CLAIMED
Court told once again that Jones attended the rally despite advice not to, & the event was taking place after unrest linked to the Southport murders. ⬇️
🔴 ‘DUTY’ TO ATTEND COUNTER-PROTEST CLAIMED
58 year old Jones said his decision to attend was motivated by a sense of duty to attend the counter-protests under such circumstances.
🔴 4:10: EDITED CLIP SENT TO UNION MEMBERS
Jury told the defendant circulated a shortened version of his rally speech to colleagues in his union role, removing the section containing the disputed remarks ⬇️
🔴 UNEDITED FOOTAGE LATER RESURFACES
Court hears the full recording appeared online soon afterwards, attracting widespread attention & significant viewing figures ⬇️
🔴 DEFENDANT DESCRIBES REACTION ON REVIEWING VIDEO
Defendant says he was shocked on seeing the unedited clip, prompting his decision to remove part of it before any wider sharing.
🔴 4:05 EVENT ORGANISED IN RESPONSE TO PLANNED MARCH
Court told the Walthamstow gathering had been arranged in light of proposals for a far-right demonstration outside a local immigration bureau.⬇️
🔴 DEFENDANT’S ACCOUNT OF CROWD MOOD
Ricky Jones described the atmosphere at the rally as positive, suggesting those present understood his comments to relate to reported transport incidents ⬇️
🔴 CROSS-EXAMINATION ON TARGET OF REMARKS
Prosecution presses on whether the comments could be understood as directed at far-right protesters; Jones maintained they referred to other individuals.
4pm Updates
🔴 BACKGROUND TO DEMONSTRATION REVISITED
Jury reminded the rally followed unrest after the Southport murders, with its stated purpose linked to plans for a far-right protest in east London.
🔴 DEFENDANT’S POLITICAL ROLE REFERENCED
Court hears the defendant has served as a borough councillor since 2019 & was suspended by his party the day after the incident.
🔴 ARREST & POLICE INTERVIEW OUTLINED
Jury hears the defendant was arrested the day after the rally & interviewed at Brixton Police Station on the evening of 8 August last year.
🔴 3:55: NO INTENTION TO INCITE VIOLENCE, COURT TOLD
Defendant denies aiming to encourage violent acts, suggesting the comments were nonsensical in the context described & posed no realistic risk ⬇️
🔴 3:50: VIDEO CLIP WENT VIRAL ON SOCIAL MEDIA — DEFENDANT ACKNOWLEDGES WORDS WERE NOT ‘CHEERFUL’
Court hears unedited rally footage later appeared online, attracting millions of views, with prosecution challenging the tone and content of the defendant’s remarks ⬇️
🔴 DEFENDANT ACKNOWLEDGES WORDS WERE NOT ‘CHEERFUL’
When challenged on tone under cross-examination, the defendant agreed his language could not be characterised as cheerful, adding he was ashamed of the phrasing used ⬇️
🔴 3:45: RAZOR BLADE REPORTS FORMED PART OF BACKDROP
Defence outlines how, the day before the event, the defendant received accounts & images of stickers allegedly fixed with razor blades on public transport ⬇️
🔴 COMMENT SAID TO REFER TO PRIOR INCIDENTS
Jurors told the remarks in question were aimed at individuals linked to reports of razor blades behind stickers, rather than to far-right protesters at the time of the rally.
🔴 3:40: DEFENDANT SAYS HE WAS ‘HORRIFIED’ AFTER SPEECH
On the stand & giving evidence in person the Jury heard Ricky Jones describe being shocked when reviewing footage of his own remarks following last year’s rally, saying he removed part of the video before later circulation ⬇️
🔴 3:25: ASSESSMENT OF DEFENDANT’S ACTIONS
Counsel indicates the jury will be invited to weigh not only what was said & done, but the state of mind & pressures surrounding the incident.
🔴 3:20: DEFENCE CASE FOR RICKY JONES
KC for the defence signaled a structured approach, outlining the broad themes the jury will be invited to consider as proceedings moved into the defence’s presentation. ⬇️
🔴 NEURODIVERGENCE TO FEATURE IN DEFENCE
Court reminded of earlier expert evidence regarding impulsivity & cognitive processing, which the defence is expected to explore further ⬇️
🔴12:45: PROSECUTION ON LAST-MINUTE SPEECH DECISION
Although he accepts that Jones’s appearance was not planned, Holt explains the prosecution argues that this was still a calculated, last-minute intervention—presented live on a microphone to a roused crowd.
Without overstating, Holt points towards a pattern of behaviour & prior interactions that, he suggests, give context to the defendant’s alleged actions ⬇️
🔴 12:50:PROSECUTION STRESSES “RABBLE-ROUSING” LANGUAGE
He characterises the words used—“Disgusting Nazi fascists” & “We need to get rid of them all" combined with the throat-slitting gesture—as inflammatory, rabble-rousing language aimed at a volatile crowd, not a momentary lapse.
🔴 12:43 - COUNSEL STEPS UP PROSECUTION TIMELINE
Mr Holt reminds jurors that Jones had been explicitly advised by his own party & police not to attend or speak at the Walthamstow counter-protest—but chose to go nonetheless. ⬇️
🔴 COUNSEL TRACES RISING TENSIONS PRE-SPEECH
He continues by describing how rumours of a far-right presence in Walthamstow had made the atmosphere a “Tinderbox,” setting the stage for heightened emotions during Jones’s speech
🔴12:20: Prosecution Tightens Case Against Ricky Jones
Ben Holt KC is now methodically setting out evidence before the jury, moving from background facts to more direct points — building a clear narrative of intent.
🔴 11:30 RICKY JONES TRIAL — DAY 3
Her Honour Judge R Dean now presiding in Court 1 at Snaresbrook Crown Court. Jury seated for day three.
RICKY JONES TRIAL - AUG 12 - DAY 2:
🔴 4:00: Court Now Adjourned
Proceedings in the Ricky Jones trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court are now adjourned & the Jury has been stood down.
We will reconvene in Court 1 tomorrow. Subscribe to UK Courts Live on X & turn on notifications for real-time trial updates as they happen.
🔴 3:25 TRIAL SET TO PROCEED WITH WITNESS EVIDENCE AND EXPERT TESTIMONY Both prosecution and defence are preparing further witness statements & expert reports to clarify Jones’ state of mind & the circumstances of the protest
🔴3:20 UPDATES — STATEMENT USED TO SUPPORT DEFENCE ARGUMENTS ON IMPULSE CONTROL
The prepared statement aligns with defence claims about Jones’ neurodivergent challenges, highlighting impulsivity & emotional response in a highly charged environment ⬇️
PROSECUTION CONTINUES TO FOCUS ON PUBLIC ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY
Despite these factors, the prosecution argues Jones’ position demanded greater caution given the volatile political climate & size of the crowd⬇️
JURY AGAIN REMINDED TO CONSIDER ALL EVIDENCE IN CONTEXT
Jurors will weigh Jones’ statement alongside expert testimony and video evidence as they assess whether intent to incite violence has been proven beyond reasonable doubt
🔴 TRIAL CONTINUES WITH FOCUS ON CONTEXT, INTENT, & IMPACT OF WORDS
Both sides prepare to call witnesses and experts to clarify Jones’ state of mind and the wider context, further updates expected as proceedings progress
🔴 JONES’ PREPARED STATEMENT READ OUT IN COURT
A statement submitted at the police station says Jones acknowledges making “ill-advised” comments on microphone to a large crowd at Walthamstow rally the day before his arrest.
🔴 3.15 UPDATES — JONES’ PREPARED STATEMENT READ OUT IN COURT A statement submitted at the police station says Jones acknowledges making “ill-advised” comments on microphone to a large crowd at Walthamstow rally the day before his arrest. ⬇️
🔴 STATEMENT REFERS TO FAR-RIGHT INCIDENT THAT UPSET JONES
He cited an incident the day before where far-right activists hid a razor blade behind a “National Front Rights for Whites” sticker on a train, which deeply disturbed him ⬇️
JONES RECALLS EXPERIENCES OF RACISM IN YOUTH AS CONTEXT Growing up in the ’60s and ’70s when the National Front were active, Jones said he faced significant racism, providing personal background to his emotional state⬇️
DEFENCE STRESSES NO INTENT TO INCITE VIOLENCE Jones said he did not intend for his words to be taken literally or to encourage violence. He expressed “extreme” regret for the comments he made⬇️
UNPLANNED SPEECH, NOT INVITED UNTIL LAST MINUTE Jones stated he was not invited to speak until the last minute and had not planned or thought about what to say beforehand, suggesting spontaneity rather than premeditation.
🔴 3:10 TRIAL CONTINUES WITH FOCUS ON CONTEXT, INTENT, & IMPACT OF WORDS
Both sides prepare to call witnesses and experts to clarify Jones’ state of mind and the wider context, further updates expected as proceedings progress ⬇️
🔴 3:05: JURY REMINDED BURDEN OF PROOF LIES WITH PROSECUTION
Judge instructs jurors to carefully assess all evidence & determine if prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt that Jones intended to encourage violence ⬇️
🔴 3:05: DEFENCE STRESSES ABSENCE OF FAR-RIGHT PROTESTERS AT EVENT
Counsel argue that no far-right demonstrators were present during the rally, challenging prosecution’s claims & questioning whether violent disorder could have been incited.
3:00 🔴 COURT HEARS VIDEO OF INCIDENT WENT VIRAL, TRIGGERING ARREST
Prosecution emphasises widespread dissemination of Jones’ speech on social media, amplifying its impact & raising public safety concerns leading to his prompt arrest.
🔴 JONES’ POSITION AS LABOUR COUNCILLOR ADDED WEIGHT TO PROSECUTION CASE
Mr Holt, prosecuting, stresses Jones’ public role demanded higher responsibility, & his inflammatory language risked inciting violence amid a large crowd.
2:55 UPDATES
🔴 PROSECUTION AND DEFENCE EXPERTS AGREE ON NEURODIVERGENT CHALLENGES
Both sides acknowledge Jones faces verbal comprehension difficulties & impulsivity, a key factor the jury must consider when judging his intent and responsibility for the remarks.
🔴 PROSECUTION EXPERT DR SCOTT MACKENZIE DESCRIBES DIFFICULTIES AS MILD
Dr Mackenzie presents evidence suggesting Jones’ neurodivergent symptoms are functionally mild, implying capacity to understand & control his speech during the event.
🔴 DEFENCE EXPERT DR ALISON BECK COUNTERS WITH CLINICALLY SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS
Dr Beck argues Jones’ challenges are statistically significant, potentially affecting his judgment & communication ability, calling for leniency & context in assessing his behaviour.
🔴 2:45: DEFENCE ARGUES ‘CUTTING THROATS’ COMMENT MADE IN HEAT OF MOMENT
Counsel stress that Mr Jones’ remarks were spontaneous, not premeditated, made during a charged atmosphere. The defence highlights his neurodivergent condition may have impaired impulse control.
🔴 2:40: JONES DENIES CHARGE OF ENCOURAGING VIOLENT DISORDER
At Snaresbrook Crown Court, Ricky Jones, 58, firmly denies the sole count of encouraging violent disorder connected to his speech at the Walthamstow protest last August. The trial continues with close examination of intent.
🔴 1:10: BURDEN RESTS ON PROSECUTION
Jurors were reminded that the burden rests with the prosecution to prove that the words were actually intended to provoke violent disorder, beyond reasonable doubt.
🔴 12:45: LACKED INTENT
The barrister emphasised that strong language, even when ill-judged, is not automatically criminal if it lacks genuine intent to promote violence
🔴 12:20 — Intent at Heart of Defence
Defence strategy centres on intent, interpretation, & separating Jones from actions that followed — positioning these as pivotal trial issues.
🔴 12:00 Update: Context, Not Literal Meaning
Jury hears defence argument that Jones’s words must be viewed in context, not as literal incitement — a key distinction they say is central to the case.
The defence narrative distances Jones from any planned violent disorder, stressing his client’s account differs from the Crown’s.
🔴 Words Spoken — But Intent Disputed
Defence says Jones accepts certain words were spoken, but disputes any intent or foreknowledge of violence, urging jurors to see his role differently.
🔴 11:30 : JURY SEATED DEFENCE OPENS CASE
The defence begins outlining jones’s case, signalling a challenge to the prosecution’s interpretation & framing of events
🔴10:00 We’re back for Day 2 of the high-profile Ricky Jones trial.
Her Honour Judge Dean preceding — follow our real-time reporting for the most accurate updates as they happen here ⬇️
DAY ONE LIVE:
🔴 3:35 pm: COURT ADJOURNED
Jury stood down & proceedings in the Ricky Jones trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court adjourned for the day.
Court 1 will reconvene tomorrow. Subscribe & turn on notifications for real-time trial updates as they happen
🔴 2:40 pm. PROSECUTION SAYS JONES’ POSITION & INFORMATION ADDS WEIGHT TO CHARGE
Mr Holt argued Jones’ role & exposure to evidence of far-right threats made his alleged speech at the protest more significant in encouraging disorder ⬇️
🔴 2:35PM COUNCILLOR HEARS OF NATIONAL FRONT STICKERS RIGGED WITH RAZOR BLADES
Mr. Holt told the court that Councillor Jones was sent images of National Front stickers placed on trains, concealing razor blades as weapons to injure anyone attempting to remove them. The images, received before a protest, left the councillor “upset.”
2:30 UPDATES
🔴 CPS PROSECUTOR MR HOLT HIGHLIGHTS JONES’ AWARENESS OF NATIONAL CLIMATE
Mr Ben Holt told the court that as a Labour councillor in August last year, Ricky Jones received, authored, & co-signed documents addressing the country’s state of flux during that period ⬇️
🔴 MR HOLT: JONES FULLY AWARE OF TENSIONS SURROUNDING FAR-RIGHT ACTIVITY
The prosecution emphasized Jones’ knowledge of the volatile political environment nationally, which forms a key part of the case against him.
2:20 UPDATES:
🔴 PROSECUTION CALLS JONES A “RABBLE ROUSER” AMID LARGE CROWD
Court heard that the crowd numbered in the tens of thousands, with Jones’ words broadcast through a public address system. The scale of the event heightened the risk of violence, according to prosecution ⬇️
🔴 LABOUR PARTY WARNED AGAINST ATTENDING PROTEST, JONES IGNORED ADVICE
Despite warnings to Labour members to avoid protests and counter-protests, Jones chose to attend and speak. The court will consider if this decision contributed to violent disorder.
2:15pm UPDATES:
🔴 VIDEO CLIP SPARKED POLICE INVESTIGATION AND PROMPT ARREST
Jones’ remarks widely circulated on social media. Trial now focused on whether words encouraged violent disorder. More updates to come
🔴 THROATS NEEDED TO BE SLIT, JONES ALLEGEDLY SAID ON STAGE
Jones reportedly made a threatening gesture while addressing the crowd, drawing his finger across his throat. The court heard this took place in a setting where violence was seen as likely, escalating concerns over public disorder
🔴 VIDEO OF JONES’ SPEECH “WENT VIRAL,” PROSECUTION SAYS
The clip was widely shared on social media, drawing attention from police & the public.
It led to Jones’ arrest the following day. The court is examining whether this speech encouraged violent disorder.
🔴 2:11pm COURT HEARS RUMOURS OF PROTEST OUTSIDE HOE STREET IMMIGRATION CENTRE
Prosecution say Jones spoke at a volatile demonstration where violence was anticipated.
His words & gestures towards far-right protesters escalated tensions in a crowd described as:
“Tens of thousands.” ⬇️
🔴 2:06 pm UPDATE: JONES’ SPEECH AMPLIFIED OVER PA SYSTEM, COURT HEARS
Prosecution says former councillor was “rabble rousing” in a volatile setting, deliberately stirring crowd where violence was expected
Ricky Jones called far-right protesters “disgusting Nazi fascists” & made throat-slitting gesture to tens of thousands at Walthamstow. Video went viral, leading to his arrest the next day
🔴 2:01pm COURT HEARS JONES IGNORE PARTY WARNINGS TO JOIN PROTEST WITH TENS OF THOUSANDS
Evidence reveals Jones received direct warnings but chose to attend & speak at the anti-racism demonstration ⬇️
🔴 2.00 pm PROSECUTION OPENING: JONES ‘RABBLE ROUSING’ WITH CALLS FOR VIOLENCE AT IMMIGRATION CENTRE DEMO
Messages & flyer show Jones’ knowledge of protest and invitation to counter-demo, despite Labour advice against attendance
🔴 1:59pm FORMER COUNCILLOR DENIES INCITING VIOLENCE AFTER COURT HEARS WARNING NOT TO ATTEND PROTEST
Ricky Jones told to avoid event, but attended and allegedly encouraged violent disorder during anti-racism rally ⬇️
🔴 1:58 pm RICKY JONES ON TRIAL OVER VIOLENT DISORDER CHARGE AT MASSIVE WALTHAMSTOW DEMO
Video shows Jones calling far-right protesters:
“Disgusting Nazi fascists”
& urging crowd to “get rid of them all.”
🔴1:57 pm : LABOUR COUNCILLOR RABBLE ROUSING AT WALTHAMSTOW PROTEST, COURT HEARS
Suspended councillor Ricky Jones accused of inciting violence by calling for far-right protesters’ throats to be cut.
SNARESBROOK - COURT 1 - DAY 1 - AM:
Slight delay getting underway Stay-Tuned
RICKY JONES TRIAL - AUG 12 - DAY 2:
We’re back for Day 2 of the high-profile Ricky Jones trial.
Her Honour Judge Dean preceding — follow our real-time reporting for the most accurate updates as they happen here ⬇️
