Nadine Osman
A Bolton man has been sentenced after posting inflammatory videos online that contained threatening anti-Muslim remarks towards Muslims. Pedro Cordeiro, 46, from Gisburn Avenue in Johnson Fold, was convicted at Bolton Crown Court on December 2 for malicious communications.
The videos, which were uploaded between 2017 and 2019, included Cordeiro’s declarations that he would become a “Christian radical extremist” and “attack every single Muslim.” In one video, Cordeiro described the Fula Muslim population of Guinea-Bissau as “deceitful” and “traitors,” accusing them of siding with the Portuguese during the country’s civil war. Despite the serious nature of the comments, Cordeiro had no prior criminal convictions. Prosecuting, Marianne Alton told the court that the videos were reported to the police by a Muslim man on March 22, 2019, who felt threatened by Cordeiro’s statements. The man also expressed concern that Cordeiro was connected to a high-ranking military member within his family.
Transcripts of Cordeiro’s videos revealed further alarming content, including derogatory remarks about the Fula people, whom he called “the evilest (sic) people we have had in the history of Guinea Bissau” and claimed that the people of Guinea Bissau feared the Fula would “stab them,” but he would “kill them.” Cordeiro also stated, “If necessary, I will order all mosques in Guinea Bissau to be set on fire.”
In his defence, Cordeiro’s attorney, Tom Farr, argued that his client had a “prospect of rehabilitation,” pointing to his previous good character and gainful employment, which he could no longer maintain due to a work-related injury. Farr also noted that Cordeiro had shown remorse and acknowledged that his comments had overstepped the line. He emphasised that the court process had been a sobering experience for Cordeiro.
Judge Jon Close, in his sentencing remarks, stated that by accepting Cordeiro’s guilty plea to malicious communications, the Crown had recognised that there was no intention to stir up racial hatred. He explained, “Were you to have been sentenced for that, the outcome would have been very different.” The judge acknowledged that although the posts were racially hostile, they lacked the intention to incite hatred. However, he also noted the distress and anxiety caused by Cordeiro’s actions, recognising the potential impact on the targeted individuals and the broader community.
Cordeiro was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 12 months. In addition, he was ordered to complete 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and pay a £500 fine.
