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Jon Heath - it's not hyperbole, they're other (common) examples of victim blaming. And to suggest that someone can avoid vile abuse on social media by simply not using social media is entirely in line with that sort of victim blaming.

Yes, each individual sending vile abuse can be blocked, but that won't stop the next person. Ever played whack-a-mole? A much wider issue is that only blocks you from seeing it - it remains there for the rest of society to see (depending on which social media and/or how it was sent). Why shouldn't someone be able to reply to public messages of hate like that?

I also think it ignores the reality of the situation, and the history involved. If the one quoted example - "Happy to celebrate your death too. I have not got time for your hideous evil." - was the worst example, then quite frankly I would admire Mr Lewis' restraint. The clear implication is that it was a response to someone (presumably) contacting Mr Lewis purely to wish for his death. I would also guess that message was in less restrained terms than Mr Lewis' reply.

I also think it's significant that the articles covering this have skimped on details of the comments directed towards Mr Lewis, despite confirming they were read out at the tribunal. I can only assume the Gazette thought them too offensive to print.