Brighton trans woman spared jail after threats to kill Kellie-Jay Keen

In the twitter posts Layla Le Fey, 44, made threats of extreme violence and arson towards activists Kellie-Jay Keen, also known as Posie Parker and author Dr Helen Joyce.

Kellie-Jay Keen is the founder of the group Standing for Women.

One post from Le Fey said: “I'm a trans woman and I'm not ashamed to admit I'd be happy to physically kick the shit out of you and pull your eyes out and break your spine.”

In another post, Le Fey wrote: “If you want to prove your point that some trans people are extremely violent, I'm game.”

Kellie-Jay Keen in Brighton at a previous gathering (Image: Eddie Mitchell)

Le Fey pleaded guilty to four offences under the Communications Act including threats of arson.

Brighton Magistrates’ Court sentenced Le Fey to 20 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months.

In another post Le Fey, of George Williams Mews, Portslade, said she would like to burn Mrs Keen.

"I'd be interested in setting fire to her house with her in it," Le Fey wrote.

In a victim statement, Mrs Keen said she wanted to make clear the threats against her were made by a man.

"A violent man committed a crime.

"The violent threats had far greater impact on my husband and children than me.

"They are very worried for my safety.

"Terrorising women into silence was the intent of this man.

"I want to make it clear, this crime was committed by a man."

Mrs Keen said: "This is what happens when women speak up.

"I didn't want to elevate this person's comments, so I did not respond.

"These tweets disturbed me and I've no doubt given the opportunity this person would have carried out these threats."

Journalist Helen Joyce is the author of Trans: When Ideology Meets Reality.

In a victim impact statement, Helen Joyce said she researched Layla Le Fey and found a story online.

"I am used to abuse and threats, most of which I ignore," she said.

"I found a Daily Mail online article on her threatening behaviour.

"I immediately took this threat as serious.

"My whereabouts is often known and I have no doubt, given the opportunity, this person would be a threat to my wellbeing."

The author described Le Fey's tweets as premeditated threats towards women.

"These threats are meant to intimidate and frighten us," she said.

Three of the threatening posts were made in March and one in June last year with Le Fey being arrested by Sussex Police a few days after her final post. 

Le Fey pleaded guilty to four counts of sending an offensive/obscene/menacing message via public communication network.

Defending, Cathy Walker said Le Fey was struggling with her mental health.

Le Fey was frustrated by anti-trans rights comments online and this frustration spilled over, Mrs Walker said.

"She didn't hide her identity when these posts were made.

"She understands that line was crossed.

"She had no intention of carrying out those threats but understands how they could be perceived by someone else."

Chairman of the Magistrates Ian Goodwin said: "All of these offences are very serious.

"The victims have taken the threats to be genuine and have altered their lifestyle."

Le Fey was given two 10 week sentences, to run consecutively but each suspended for 18 months, for two of the public communications offences.

She was also given ten weeks for the other two offences, to run concurrently to the first two, and also suspended for 18 months.

An 18 month restraining order was also made preventing Le Fey from contacting or attending events involving either Mrs Keen or Dr Joyce.

Le Fey will also have to undertake 25 rehabilitation activity days and pay a total of £239 in costs and a surcharge.

"We believe there is a realistic chance of rehabilitation.

"If we had not, you would have gone to prison this afternoon," Mr Goodwin said.