A TEENAGER posted a hate message on a Muslim organisation’s Facebook page after seeing a video of a woman being stoned to death, York magistrates were told.

Aaron Hodgson, of Pinfold Avenue, Sherburn-in-Elmet, “took exception” after watching a video online showing two Muslim men stoning a Muslim woman, said his solicitor, Stephen Welford.

He posted the message on the Muslim Defence League’s Facebook page, said Christine Turnbull, prosecuting.

Hodgson, who is now 20, admitted sending a message that was grossly offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing, and was fined £100.

During the same court appearance, Hodgson was also given a 12-month community order, including 200 hours of unpaid work, after being convicted of assault causing actual bodily harm in Micklegate, Selby, on December 23 last year.

He was also fined £50, and ordered to pay £650 in costs, £50 in compensation and a £60 victim surcharge.

Ms Turnbull said Hodgson had gone for a night out with work colleagues to celebrate Christmas when he punched a man, who fell to the ground, knocking himself unconscious.

The assault was captured on CCTV camera and Hodgson was found and arrested 15 minutes later.

Mr Welford said Hodgson was a hard-working young man who worked full-time as a fitter installing electricity sub-stations across the country, earning £350 a week.

He said that on the night of the assault, he had drunk about seven pints.

The attack had not been pre-planned, it had not been part of a group assault and the victim had not suffered serious injuries.

He said Hodgson had posted the comment after seeing the stoning to express frustration that such things were out in the public domain.

• There was no suggestion in court that the stoning video was posted online by the Muslim Defence League, which, according to its website, “exists to unite all Muslims (regardless of sect, denomination or religiosity), with non-Muslims, in defence of communities under threat from racists and fascists, by any means necessary”.