Man convicted in connection with racially aggravated behaviour following speech at a conference

A 21-year-old man has been convicted of racially aggravated behaviour in relation to a speech delivered at a conference in Scotland.

Jaden Milne, from Clackmannanshire, addressed a conference organised by Patriotic Alternative in Livingston in October 2021 with his speech also broadcast on the internet.

A police investigation was carried out into the content, which included a number of racist, homophobic and anti-Semitic elements.

He was arrested in February 2022 and pleaded guilty in October 2023 to offences under the Public Order Act 1986 and abusive and threatening behaviour with a racial, disability and sexual orientation aggravation.

At Livingston Sheriff Court on Friday, 1 December, he was given a community payback order requiring him to carry out 225 hours of unpaid work.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry said: “Hateful rhetoric such as that delivered by Jaden Milne is not welcome in our communities and we will actively investigate and take action against criminal behaviour such as this.

“Our focus is on protecting our citizens. Hate crime has no place in society and will not be tolerated.

“Police Scotland is committed to tackling hate speech and intolerance so people can live freely and safely, without fear of prejudice.

“I would urge anyone with information about hate speech to report your concerns to Police Scotland and we will investigate. You can contact Police Scotland by calling 101 or online via our website.”