Dean Podesta, 35, avoided jail after admitting to hate crimes online, receiving a suspended sentence.
Police arrested Podesta in July 2022. The Counter Terrorism unit and local police worked together. People reported his online posts to the police. He posted hateful content online for six months in 2022.
He posted over 330 times. Police called his posts “abhorrent.” They harmed many people. Podesta bragged about hate speech rankings and wanted to be number one.
Police and other groups tried to help him, but he kept offending. Police investigated the case. Podesta pleaded guilty in court in September 2024. He got a 14-month suspended sentence, suspended for 18 months.
He must complete a 30-day program and faces a five-year order. Podesta can only have one phone with internet access and one computer with internet, including tablets. He cannot use VPN software or social media.
He cannot delete browsing history. Police can check his devices and install monitoring software. He must tell police about his devices, listing the phone’s details and SIM card number quickly. He must report any device changes within seven days.
A police chief inspector commented on the case, saying teams worked together to protect citizens. The inspector said hate breeds division and encourages radicalization.
Podesta ignored help and kept committing crimes. Plymouth welcomes everyone. Police don’t tolerate hate. People should report hate crimes. This conviction shows they are serious.