TikTok 'Bogeyman' Avoids Immediate Custody for Racist Posts Targeting Lioness Star
A 60-year-old TikTok user who called himself 'Bogeyman' has been spared immediate jail time after posting racist messages about England Lioness defender Jess Carter during last summer's UEFA Women's Euro 2025 tournament. Nigel Dewale, from Great Harwood in Lancashire, sent two offensive posts from his social media account targeting the prominent footballer.
Abusive Messages Sent During Tournament
Dewale was intoxicated at home when he responded to news about police investigating online racial abuse that Carter had previously received following England's matches against France and Sweden. His posts included racist language and derogatory comments about women's football, stating it "should not be on national TV" and was a "waste of airtime."
An investigation by Cheshire Constabulary traced the messages to Dewale, leading to his arrest at his Lancashire home. He later pleaded guilty to sending a grossly offensive message via a public communications network.
Substantial Impact on Professional Footballer
Prosecutor Graeme Tindall revealed the abuse had significant consequences for Carter, who has earned 52 senior caps for England and currently plays for US team Gotham FC. The 28-year-old defender, who helped England successfully defend their European title in Switzerland, was so affected that she stopped monitoring her own social media accounts, delegating this task to her sister.
The racist comments "affected her confidence" and left her "anxious and genuinely scared," according to Mr Tindall. Carter reportedly became reluctant to leave her hotel during the tournament, fearing she might encounter someone who had made the abusive remarks.
Suspended Sentence and Mitigating Factors
At Blackburn Magistrates' Court, District Judge Tony Watkin sentenced Dewale to six weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months. The judge acknowledged the defendant had "come very close indeed" to receiving immediate imprisonment but considered several mitigating factors.
Defence lawyer Bradley Hayes told the court Dewale was filled with "a sense of shame" and deeply regretted his "disgraceful" actions. The defendant offered a "wholehearted apology" to Carter, her family, and the wider women's football community.
Significantly, the court heard Dewale serves as primary carer for his 20-year-old daughter who suffers from epilepsy. Judge Watkin considered that she would be "very much disadvantaged" by her father's immediate incarceration, alongside the defendant's "realistic prospect of rehabilitation."
Additional Offences and Sentencing Conditions
Dewale received a concurrent four-week suspended sentence after pleading guilty to possession of an offensive weapon—an extendable baton—in a private place. His overall punishment includes:
- A four-year football banning order
- A three-month curfew
- Completion of 10 rehabilitation activity days
- Payment of £85 court costs and a £145 victim surcharge
Although the football banning order was imposed, the court noted Dewale had not attended matches for "many years."
Strong Judicial and Police Response
District Judge Watkin delivered a stern warning during sentencing, emphasising that online offences are "not somehow less serious because they are committed behind a screen." He stressed that such messages have "real-world consequences" and that perpetrators are not anonymous.
Cheshire Constabulary Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the National Police Chiefs' Council lead for football policing, welcomed the sentence, describing Dewale's comments as "totally abhorrent" and noting they caused "emotional distress for Miss Carter and her family."
"We have been clear that hate crime online or in person is not acceptable," stated Chief Constable Roberts. "You cannot hide behind a social media profile to post vile comments and spread hate."
Football Authorities Support Legal Action
The Football Association welcomed the court's decision, with a spokesperson stating they are "determined to assist the police and authorities in ensuring anyone responsible for such vile hate is made to face justice." They acknowledged the ongoing support from the UK Football Policing Unit and dedicated football officers.
John Moran for the Crown Prosecution Service emphasised that "online actions have consequences" and that "this type of social media offending will not be tolerated." He noted the particular irony that Dewale chose "racism over patriotism" during England's successful tournament campaign.
Player's Public Response to Abuse
Following the initial abuse during the tournament, Carter posted on Instagram about her experiences, stating she had received "a lot of racial abuse" from the competition's start. While acknowledging fans' rights to opinions on performances, she emphasised it was unacceptable to target someone's appearance or race.
The defender expressed gratitude for genuine fan support while taking measures to protect herself and maintain focus on helping the team. She hoped speaking out would make abusers "think twice" and prevent others from experiencing similar treatment.
