Facebook ignored warnings about neo-nazi

FACEBOOK failed to shut down the account of a neo-nazi who planned to carry out a machete attack on a gay pride event, it has emerged.

Ethan Stables, 20, was yesterday convicted of a terror offence after announcing online that he was “going to war” and intended to “slaughter every single one of the gay b-------” at the New Empire pub in Barrow, Cumbria. He had posted repeated threats on Facebook, where he set up a far-right group called National Socialists Union standing against the New World Order.

Leeds Crown Court heard that the social media network was warned about his profile at least four times, but his account remained active.

Stables, from Barrow, said he was furious that the New Empire pub was hosting a Pride Night in association with the Furness LGBT support group.

“I’m going to make the news. I want them to know they’re being targeted. Tonight is going to be a good night, and the beginning of the end,” he wrote.

Stables was arrested as he strolled towards the New Empire pub on June 23 last year. In his defence, he told the court he was bisexual and was just a fantasist.

He was found guilty of preparing an act of terrorism, making threats to kill and possessing an explosive substance.