Perpetrator sentenced following online hate crime targeted at Chesterfield Pride

Last year, the organisers of Chesterfield Pride were targeted with homophobic abuse on social media. A year later, they reveal in a statement that the person involved has now plead guilty to the offence and has subsequently been sentenced.

The homophobic abuse which they described as “not only disgusting [but] also threatening” was received by Chesterfield Pride via their Facebook page in 2025. At the time, they advised the person in question to stop, reminding them that their comments could constitute a hate crime. The perpetrator (who has not been named by Chesterfield Pride) did not heed this advice though and continued with their campaign of abuse.

So, the organisers of Chesterfield Pride decided to take the issue to the police. In a statement posted on Tuesday 12^th May 2026, they explained that two police forces assisted with the report; statements were taken and evidence was handed over.

In May 2026, the perpetrator plead guilty to the charges brought by Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), with the court finding that the offence was aggravated due to the sexual orientation of the people being targeted by the abuse.

This year has seen a change in the law to make anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime, as well as disability hate crime, an aggravated offence; bringing them in line with offences motivated by race and religion. This change is part of the Crime and Policing Bill which received Royal Assent in April 2026. The amendment (clause 122) to the Crime and Policing Bill, was originally put forward by Rachel Taylor, the MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth, and later backed by other MPs including Jacob Collier MP for Burton and Uttoxeter.

Pleading guilty to the aggravated crime, the person in question was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison which was suspended for 12 months. According to Chesterfield Pride, they also received a hefty fine and were sentenced to participate in community work.

Chesterfield Pride said: “We are pleased that the police and CPS took this seriously and we would like to thank them for their help and assistance.

“Homophobia is never acceptable and we will not tolerate it. We are proud to be a community event that has always welcomed everyone. If you are a victim of homophobia please report it.”

Chesterfield Pride returns Saturday 13^thJune 2026. The line-up for the event includes a range of live entertainment including: Una Healy (The Saturdays), Betty Boo, RuPaul's Drag Race UK stars Choriza May and Kate Butch, as well as many other great performers! The event will also feature a market area, funfair, bars, and food outlets. Tickets are on sale now with general admission at £12.