Tom Orpin-Massey  represented a client charged with sending tweets that were either menacing in character or grossly offensive, whilst he was a spectator at last year's Tour de France cycle race through London. Facing a single charge contrary to s.127 Communications Act 2003, the client maintained that the tweets were sent in a "gallows humour" spirit, and were not intended to be grossly offensive or menacing. The defendant was acquitted after the Bench were taken to the key authorities of Chambers v DPP [2012] EWHC 2157 (Admin) and  DPP v Collins [2006] 1 WLR 2223, and persuaded that the tweets should not incur criminal sanction. Further arguments were advanced concerning Article 10 of the European Convention on  Human Rights ; the client's right to free speech. Tom was instructed by Sonn Macmillan Walker.