An anti-racism protest in Southport took a disturbing turn when a white Muslim man was assaulted by a left-wing activist who wrongly identified him as a racist based solely on his appearance. The attacker, a former nurse and activist, was later found guilty but walked free, sparking a heated national debate about assumptions, stereotyping, and the responsibilities that come with protest activism.
The Incident at the Anti-Racism Protest
The demonstration aimed to bring attention to racial injustice and inequality. However, amidst heightened emotions and crowd energy, activist Leneghan targeted Mr. Fontaine, a peaceful attendee. Accusing him of being a racist infiltrator, she launched into a verbal and physical attack despite having no evidence—just a snap judgment based on his looks.
Who is the Victim?
Mr. Fontaine is a white Muslim convert, well known in his community for promoting unity and understanding. He attended the protest to show support for anti-racist causes. Dressed in grey shorts, a black top, and a cap, he didn’t match the stereotype of what Leneghan believed a Muslim should look like—an assumption that led to his assault.
The Activist: Who is Leneghan?
Identified in court as a former NHS nurse, Leneghan has a history of passionate activism. However, her actions at the Southport protest blurred the line between advocacy and aggression. She allegedly stalked and harassed Mr. Fontaine, despite his visible lack of threat.
“You’re Not One of Us”: The Confrontation
Caught on video by Mr. Fontaine’s brother, Dylan, the confrontation revealed a disturbing narrative. Leneghan is heard saying:
- “You clearly don’t belong here.”
- “You’re looking very suspicious.”
- “I don’t think you’re one of us.”
- “I can tell from looking at you… the clothes for a start.”
These statements showed how quickly prejudice can emerge—even within movements founded on inclusion.
Clothing-Based Profiling
Despite many other protestors wearing masks or balaclavas, Leneghan singled out Fontaine because he didn’t fit her mental image of a Muslim. She saw his casual clothes and assumed—fatally wrongly—that he was an outsider, even a threat.
This kind of profiling-by-clothing exposes the dangers of relying on appearance to determine someone’s beliefs or identity.
The Role of Fontaine’s Brother
Dylan Fontaine, age 28, captured the entire incident on his phone. His calm questioning—“Why are you assuming my beliefs?”—was met with Leneghan’s now-notorious reply: “Because I can tell from looking at you.” This recording was critical in court, providing undeniable evidence of the misjudgment and aggression.
Courtroom Testimonies and Evidence
In court, Mr. Fontaine described the chaos: “Someone grabbed me, people were pulling and shouting at me. Luckily there were people who knew me who calmed the situation. If not, it could’ve been a lot worse.”
The footage and testimonies left little doubt about the mistaken identity and the unprovoked nature of the attack.
The Verdict and Public Reaction
Leneghan was found guilty of assault but avoided jail, instead receiving a conditional sentence and mandatory diversity education. The lenient ruling has sparked fierce debate:
- Some argue she acted out of genuine (though misguided) intent.
- Others believe the court sent a dangerous message about acceptable protest behavior.
Misidentification in Activism: A Dangerous Line
This incident raises vital concerns about how protest movements operate. When assumptions replace facts, innocent people get hurt. The line between activist and vigilante must remain clear—especially in emotionally charged spaces.
