Today @PaulJChambers was found guilty of a criminal offence contrary to s127 Communications Act 2003, which makes it a strict liability (i.e. you’re guilty if you just did the act of it, regardless of circumstance) offence to make “”indecent, obscene or menacing” messages via a telecommunication network.

Originally he was charged under Criminal Law Act 1977 for a bomb hoax, however the CPS decided there wasn’t sufficient evidence for this, and instead opted for the rarely used s127.

But just what did Paul Chambers do? He tweeted a joke. A crap joke, but a joke all the same.

“Crap! Robin Hood Airport is closed. You’ve got a week… otherwise I’m blowing the airport sky high!”

For this, he now has a criminal record, and faces a £1000 fine.

Just to be clear, here, a British citizen is now a criminal for making a completely non-serious comment on twitter. This is yet another example of the ridiculous restrictions we have on freedom of speech in the UK, joining the growing list of heavy-handed offences such as Incitement, and the infamous Libel law; as well as yet another example of the erosion of our liberties under the authoritarian New Labour party.

Keep checking #twitterjoketrial for updates, and possible link to a whip-round to pay for his fee.

Today @PaulJChambers was found guilty of a criminal offence contrary to s127 Communications Act 2003, which makes it a strict liability (i.e. you’re guilty if you just did the act...