Jamie Michael, a former Royal Marine and once a football apprentice at Manchester United, never imagined he would find himself behind bars over a Facebook post.
The 46-year-old from Penygraig, southeast Wales, had dedicated years to serving his country, including deployments in Iraq and Sierra Leone.
But in 2023, a 12-minute video he posted online led to his arrest, sparking a legal battle that ended in a dramatic acquittal.
The Facebook Post That Led to His Arrest
On July 31, 2023, Michael uploaded a video titled “This is what I think” to Facebook, just two days after a tragic triple murder in Southport.
In the clip, which was seen by more than 16,000 people, he urged the public to “get ready” but insisted he was not advocating for violence.
Instead, he called for organizing peaceful gatherings, engaging with local councils, and demanding accountability from politicians.
However, some of his statements, including calling newly arrived immigrants “psychopaths” and suggesting that Labour councillors should be held “personally responsible” for community safety, triggered concern.
Arrest and Legal Struggles
Shortly after the video gained traction, a staffer from Labour politician Buffy Williams’ office reported it to the police.
On August 9, Michael was arrested and spent three days in police custody before being denied bail.
Despite having only a minor driving conviction from 14 years ago, authorities claimed he was likely to reoffend and even hinted at possible terrorist intentions.
The situation took an emotional toll, hitting hardest when he had to sing Happy Birthday to his nine-year-old daughter over the phone from prison.
The Trial and Swift Acquittal
Michael’s trial took place at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, where the jury heard about his past as an apprentice footballer for Manchester United, Oxford United, and Cardiff City, his military service, and his later career in private security.
Diagnosed with a rare blood cancer in 2014, Michael had since transitioned to working as a massage therapist.
The prosecution argued that his language was excessively negative towards migrants.
However, his defense, backed by the Free Speech Union (FSU), countered that he was specifically referring to violent individuals and not all migrants.
Represented by solicitor Luke Gittos and barrister Adam King, Michael was acquitted on February 4, 2025.
The jury deliberated for just 17 minutes before reaching a unanimous verdict, surprising even Michael, who had settled in for what he expected to be a long wait.
Reactions and the Ongoing Debate
Michael described the case as an attack on free speech, arguing that many others share his concerns about unchecked immigration but are afraid to voice them.
Despite his prosecution, the controversial video remains online with over 16,000 views.
The FSU, which funded his legal defense, celebrated his acquittal, stating that Michael had simply encouraged peaceful protest, not incited racial hatred.
Meanwhile, Buffy Williams, the Labour Member of the Senedd for Rhondda, maintained that her office followed standard procedures in reporting the video.
“It isn’t up to me or my team to decide what’s right or wrong. We followed the usual protocols,” she said in a statement.
What’s Next for Jamie Michael?
After his acquittal, Michael expressed feelings of betrayal by his country and concerns over what he sees as a “two-tier” legal system that punishes those who speak out.
He remains uncertain about his future but is determined to continue advocating for free speech.
His case has ignited debate over the boundaries of public expression and whether legal action should be taken against individuals for controversial but non-violent speech.
As discussions continue, one thing is clear: Michael’s case will likely serve as a reference point in the ongoing conversation about freedom of speech in the UK.
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