Former boxing champion pleads guilty to posting offensive comments on YouTube

Derek Gordon Heggie, a former bare-knuckle boxing champion, has pleaded guilty to posting racially aggravated comments on YouTube. His offensive remarks were made during a period of civil unrest following the stabbings in Southport that killed three children. Heggie, 41, initially denied charges under the Malicious Communications Act but admitted to sending two inflammatory videos in August. The court described his comments as "grossly offensive" and aimed at causing distress. Heggie is currently in custody and will be sentenced at the crown court on December 13. The judge has requested updated background information from the probation service before the sentencing.