Glenn Gibbins, a councillor of the Reform UK party, has been charged with posting a comment on social media referencing the Nigerian community.
Northumbria police said the 66-year-old councillor was charged with the offence under the Communications Act 2003.
Gibbins was said to be investigated by his party and given a final written warning.
The charge relates to a post from 2024.
“Can’t believe amount of Nigerians in town…..should melt them all down and fill in the pot holes!!” Gibbins had tweeted.
The police said it was alerted to the post in May, began investigations, then submitted a file to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised a charge.
According to reports, Gibbins was suspended by Reform but was later reinstated.
“We are aware there has already been significant interest in relation to this individual and the social media post. We would urge people
