Internet trolls could face 2-year prison sentences

Internet trolls could face two years in prison if new laws designed to clampdown on malicious online behaviour come into force.

In an attempt to curb users posting unsavoury comments against members of the internet community, social media streams would be regulated, ensuring anyone caught in the act would have their case sent to the Magistrates' Court and in serious incidents, the Crown Court.

Justice Secretary Chris Grayling told the Mail on Sunday: "These internet trolls are cowards who are poisoning our national life. No-one would permit such venom in person, so there should be no place for it on social media. That is why we are determined to quadruple the current six-month sentence."

The news comes after Judy Finnegan and Richard Madeley's daughter Chloe was sent threatening messages on Twitter. The young TV presenter defended her mother's earlier comments about footballer Ched Evans' rape charge and received threats in response.

Grayling said about that particular incident: "As the terrible case of Chloe Madeley showed last week, people are being abused online in the most crude and degrading fashion.

"This is a law to combat cruelty - and marks our determination to take a stand against a baying cyber-mob. We must send out a clear message - if you troll you risk being behind bars for two years."

At the moment, such threats can be prosecuted under the 10-year old Malicious Communications Act, but that legislation doesn't take into account social networks.

Chole Madeley commented she is happy the government is taking a stand against trolling, but the punishment must refelct modern times. "While I agree that spending time and money on trolls is somewhat disagreeable, social networking has become the most influential and powerful voice of the people, and the fact of the matter is it now needs to be regulated."