A Manchester man who sent threatening Islamophobic messages to a mental health support service in the hours following a terrorist attack on a city synagogue has received a community order at Stockport Magistrates’ Court.
Alexander Taylor, 34, from Wythenshawe, was sentenced today to 12 months community supervision with 15 rehabilitation days after admitting sending communications threatening death or serious harm under the Online Safety Act 2023.
The court heard Taylor contacted a mental health text support service on the afternoon of 2 October 2025, sending Islamophobic messages containing threats that alarmed staff to such an extent they immediately contacted police.
The timing of the messages came during a period of heightened alert following the terrorist attack on a Manchester synagogue earlier that day. Police resources were diverted to investigate Taylor’s communications whilst emergency services were already responding to the terror incident.
David Holland of the Crown Prosecution Service stated: “Alexander Taylor’s deeply disturbing messages to a mental health organisation caused such concern that they were reported to the police. At a time of high alert following the terrorist attack on a Manchester synagogue, valuable police resources had to be diverted to deal with Taylor.”
Taylor was arrested and provided no comment during his police interview. He subsequently appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on 7 October 2025 where he entered a guilty plea to the charge.
The sentence handed down today includes an uplift to reflect the hate crime element of his offending. Community orders with rehabilitation requirements are designed to address underlying factors that contribute to criminal behaviour whilst keeping offenders under supervision in the community.
Holland emphasised the prosecution’s approach to such cases, stating: “There is no place for hate in our society and we will continue to work with partners to bring those who spread hate in our communities to justice.”
The case represents an application of the Online Safety Act 2023, relatively new legislation addressing harmful digital communications. Section 181 of the Act specifically targets communications threatening death or serious harm sent via electronic means.
Mental health support services provide vital assistance to individuals in crisis, though staff must remain alert for communications crossing the threshold into criminal threatening behaviour. Organizations operating text-based helplines maintain protocols for reporting concerning messages to law enforcement when public safety concerns arise.
The rehabilitation days component of Taylor’s order will require him to work with probation services to address the motivations behind his offending and reduce risk of future similar behaviour. The hate crime uplift ensures the sentence reflects the additional harm caused by prejudiced motivation targeting a religious community.
Taylor will remain under community supervision for the duration of his 12-month order, with breach of conditions potentially resulting in return to court for resentencing.
