Former Harrogate mayor found to have posted antisemitic content

A jury at York Crown Court has found that Pat Marsh, a 78-year-old former mayor of Harrogate and North Yorkshire councillor, posted or distributed online material likely to stir up racial hatred. The findings follow a trial of facts regarding antisemitic posts made on X (formerly Twitter) between January and February 2024.

The posts, which were linked to the conflict in Gaza, included inflammatory language directed at Jewish people. Because Marsh has been deemed physically and mentally unfit to enter a plea or give evidence due to dementia, the court conducted a trial of facts to determine if the alleged actions occurred.

Following the verdict, Judge Sean Morris stated that the “only option” was to grant Marsh an absolute discharge due to her health condition. Marsh, a former Liberal Democrat group leader who served in public life for three decades, resigned from her council post following her arrest in February 2024.