Fantastic. Paul Chambers, convicted of “menace” for a facetious Twitter update from January threatening to blow up Robin Hood airport, has lost his appeal.  Way to stop those terrorists in their tracks, guys.

Chambers, a 27-year-old accountant, had hoped that the case would be dismissed as the stupid prank that it was – being slapped with a mere £1,000 fine. Instead, Judge Jacqueline Davies had the appeal dismissed on every count.

To clarify, this is what Chambers is being convicted for:

“Crap! Robin Hood airport is closed. You’ve got a week and a bit to get your shit together otherwise I’m blowing the airport sky high!!”

The above text was apparently intended as a direct message (DM) but accidentally broadcast to his 650-odd followers (increased a touch since the controversy around the case), and brought to the attention of Robin Hood’s security. After that, everybody lost their shit.

Now, let’s be clear: Chambers was being an idiot. Which is normally okay! There are rights protecting our right to say idiotic things freely. So explain to me, how it is that slapping a charge of “menace” on this guy, on top of the court-ordered expenses of around £3,000, is going to make any sort of positive difference to anything?

Have a lovely weekend.

[guardian]
[image via twitter]