Student sentenced for racist tweets

Paul Kearns from Tyneside charity Show Racism the Red Card says Stan Collymore is a positive role model for football.

A spokesperson for the charity Show Racism the Red Card says Stan Collymore has used his profile positively to send a strong message about racism on twitter.

Today Joshua Cryer, 21, was sentenced to 240 hours Community Service for sending racist tweets to the former footballer.

The Newcastle University Law student sent the messages over a seven day period.

A judge at Newcastle Magistrates Court described his behaviour as foolish, immature and pathetic.

Reacting to Joshua Cryer's sentence, a Newcastle University spokesperson said:

"Newcastle University has strict disciplinary procedures in place to deal with any illegal conduct from our students.

"A University disciplinary panel will meet to discuss this case and recommend the appropriate action."

A Newcastle university student has been given a 240 hours community service for sending racist tweets to the former footballer Stan Collymore.

Joshua Cryer who studies law at Newcastle University sent the tweets over a seven day period earlier this year.

He boasted of having found a new hobby and tried to cover it up by telling police his Twitter account had been hacked. A judge at Newcastle magistrates described his behaviour as foolish, immature and pathetic.

He decided against sending him to jail because he said he wanted him to remember what he had done "for a long time". The community service will last for a duration of up to two years.