Man denies intent to stir up racial hatred
BBCA man accused of posting video content on social media with intent to stir up racial hatred has pleaded not guilty.
Cumbria Police said Brandon Watson, 25, was charged following an incident which took place on Carlisle's English Street on 30 April.
Watson, of Housesteads Road, appeared at Carlisle Magistrates' Court earlier via video link where he formally denied the charge which alleges he distributed a recording of visual images which were threatening, abusive or insulting, intending to stir up racial hatred.
District judge Philip Holden sent Watson's case to Carlisle Crown Court where he will appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 1 June.
Giving an outline of the charge, prosecutor Diane Jackson alleged several video clips had been posted by Watson on a social media platform.
He is alleged to have committed the offence between 1 and 30 April.
At Carlisle Crown Court, Watson will also face a second and separate charge which alleges he unlawfully and maliciously wounded a man inside a takeaway in January, with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.
Watson is alleged to have punched a man who suffered facial fractures.
As the hearing concluded, Watson told the district judge: "I am not racist."
