Brian Ward, a 63-year-old resident of Chorley, has been charged with antisemitic hate crime. He is accused of making racist comments directed at Jewish individuals and threatening violence. These remarks were reportedly made during a phone call to a health professional.
Details of Incident
According to Lancashire Police, the comments made by Ward referenced recent terrorist attacks. This context has raised concerns about the nature of his statements.
Charges Filed
Ward appeared at Preston Magistrates’ Court on Saturday. He now faces several charges including:
- Sending a communication threatening death or serious harm
- Using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behavior with intent
- Possession of an offensive weapon
Next Court Appearance
Following his initial court appearance, Ward has been remanded in custody. He is scheduled to appear before Blackburn Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
Community Response
The incident has sparked discussions about antisemitism and public safety in Chorley. Local authorities are emphasizing the importance of addressing hate crimes effectively.
