A businesswoman who was arrested for sharing a fake name of the Southport attacker online will not face any further action. Bernadette Spofforth, aged 55, was taken into custody on August 8 after reposting the false name and suggesting there would be consequences if it were accurate. Upon realising the information was incorrect, she promptly removed the post and issued an apology. Spofforth stated, “My offense was sharing a tweet which I deleted and apologised for sharing as soon as I realised it contained inaccurate information.” She expressed her disbelief at being detained for 36 hours by the police despite maintaining her innocence. Spofforth emphasised that while her ordeal cannot be compared to the suffering of the victims in Southport, it sheds light on how ordinary individuals can be treated, calling it unacceptable in 2024.
Cheshire police did not disclose Spofforth’s identity but confirmed that a 55-year-old woman near Chester would not be prosecuted further. A police spokesperson clarified, “A woman arrested in connection with an inaccurate social media post has been released without charge.” The arrest was made following allegations related to a social media post containing incorrect details about the Southport attacker’s identity. After a thorough investigation, it was determined that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the case.
This incident highlighted the potential repercussions individuals may face for sharing misinformation online. Spofforth’s experience serves as a reminder of the impact of social media posts and the importance of verifying information before dissemination. Ultimately, the decision not to pursue charges against Spofforth underscores the significance of accurate reporting, responsible sharing, and the consequences of spreading false information.