Manchester's Self-Described 'Internet Troll' Jailed For Offensive Web Posts

noob22 writes "According to BBC Online, 'An "internet troll" who posted obscene messages on Facebook sites set up in memory of dead people has been jailed. Colm Coss, of Ardwick, Manchester, posted on a memorial page for Big Brother star Jade Goody and a tribute site to John Paul Massey, a Liverpool boy mauled to death by a dog. The 36-year-old "preyed on bereaved families" for his "own pleasure," Manchester Magistrates Court heard.'" My favorite line: "Unemployed Coss was only caught when he sent residents on his street photos of himself saying he was an internet 'troll.'"

Comments

Re:So he was done on a technicality?

[Securityemo]

Why shouldn't it be illegal to be a dick, besides the argument that it would chill constructive debate? It's all about finding a reasonably objective definition of "dick", and how much people should tolerate. Like it's always been. In order to truly be free, you must be free from other people - and unfortunately the only current way to enforce this is creating a relatively impersonal system manned by people.

Re:Why?

[Hatta]

You're talking about jailing someone for internet comments, right? I don't know what would make anyone think that is acceptable.

Re:They jail for this in Europe now?

[Knave75]

There is ethnic cleansing in Palestine which is far more ironic...

Anyone who claims that ethnic cleansing is taking place in Palestine has no idea of what true ethnic cleansing is all about, or what it looks like.

Re:So he was done on a technicality?

[ClioCJS]

It doesn't matter what names you use. In the end, you are celebrating prosecuting people for fucking with other people. Maybe I should prosecute you for calling me names? It's a pattern of harassment! On facebook, anyone from any group can be blocked. If you don't like what someone says, block them. Take them to court? Hah! And you just justified it. No matter what snappy comebacks you have, that makes you a whiny thin-skinned douchebag.

Re:So he was done on a technicality?

[ClioCJS]

I hope you die.

Okay, come prosecute me now, pussy!