Benji Griffiths, a 37-year-old man from Gloucestershire, made alarming threats to blow up a hotel housing asylum seekers but has avoided jail time despite admitting to the offenses. Griffiths placed two threatening phone calls to the Ibis Hotel in Gloucester on September 9 and 12 last year, expressing anger over asylum seekers temporarily housed there by the UK government.
Following an anti-migration protest outside the hotel days earlier, Griffiths called to ask about room availability, then twice declared his intention to bring a bomb to the hotel. On the second call, he directly asked hotel staff how they would feel if he carried out such an attack targeting immigrants.
The hotel promptly reported the threats to the police, leading to Griffiths’ arrest and charges for racially aggravated threatening communications. He pled guilty at a hearing in March and returned to court for sentencing in April.
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During sentencing, Griffiths expressed remorse, admitting his conduct was below acceptable standards. He told the court he has taken steps to improve his behavior, including reducing alcohol consumption and avoiding social media. The presiding magistrate noted Griffiths’ previous good character and agreed with probation services that his risk of reoffending is low.
Griffiths was given a 12-month community order requiring 180 hours of unpaid work, 120 days of alcohol monitoring, and fined £199. The court highlighted the serious nature of his threats but acknowledged his efforts to make positive changes.