Terry Balson used Facebook to encourage people to join last August’s riots. He was jailed for two years

Published: 11 May, 2012
by WILLIAM McLENNAN

A MAN who set up a Facebook group encouraging people to join last August’s riots was jailed for two years on Tuesday after other users of the social networking site “named and shamed” him.

Terry Balson, 20, of Halton Road, Canonbury, is believed to be the first person to be jailed for inciting people to riot in London.

Wood Green Crown Court heard that he set up an open group on Facebook called For the Riot (F**k the feds).

He wrote: “Barnet High Road is the spot apparently tonight whos on it.”

Prosecutors argued that this encouraged a range of offences, including riot, burglary and criminal damage in Barnet High Road on August 9 last year, as well as encouraging people to meet in Wood Green.

Police said both areas were subject to attacks that night.

Colindale Police Station was attacked, a mobile police station was damaged and shops in Brent Cross and Wood Green looted.

Balson’s posts were picked up by Facebook users, 72 of whom tipped off police.

Balson was later named on Facebook and Twitter.

He pleaded guilty to “encouraging or assisting offences believing one or more will be committed contrary to section 46 of the Serious Crime Act”.