Dean Podesta was handed a suspended sentence
A Devon man has been handed a suspended sentence for inciting racial hatred online.
35-year-old Dean Podesta, of Teats Hill Flats, in Plymouth, pleaded guilty at Plymouth Crown Court in September 2024 to one offence of inciting racial hatred and another of inciting hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation.
Mr Podesta was arrested in July 2022 following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing South West in collaboration with Devon and Cornwall Police.
His online activity resulted in multiple reports by the public to law enforcement and, despite several attempts by multiple agencies to support him, his offending continued. This resulted in a thorough investigation.
Over 330 abusive, threatening and insulting messages were posted during a six-month period in 2022. He revelled in his online notoriety, bragging that he was “on the ‘hate speech’ top 10 list’’ and aspired to make the number one position.
Mr Podesta was sentenced to 14 months, suspended for 18 months and received a 30 day rehabilitation order.
He will also be subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order for five years.
Two Devon based cocaine traffickers jailed
Devoncast - An air raid, a big boost and a district that punches above its weight
Lib Dems win Exe Valley by-election
Proposal to split Devon into three councils backed by Mid Devon
Plea to keep Totnes Castle open all year round
Parking charges to increase in Plymouth
