No charges over homophobic tweet about divers (From Daily Echo)
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No charges over homophobic tweet about divers Pete Waterfield and Tom Daley
11:08am Thursday 20th September 2012 in Southampton
Tom Daley and Pete Waterfield in action at the Olympics
A Welsh Premier League footballer who posted an abusive message about Southampton's Olympic diver Pete Waterfield and partner Tom Daley will not face charges, the Director of Public Prosecutions said today.
Daniel Thomas's message was ''not so grossly offensive that criminal charges need to be brought'', Keir Starmer said.
New guidelines for prosecutors on social media cases will also be issued, given the growing number of complaints, he added.
Daley, 18, and diving partner Pete Waterfield missed out on a medal at this summer's Olympics when they finished fourth in the 10m synchronised dive.
The Port Talbot Town FC midfielder posted a homophobic message on Twitter, which was later distributed more widely, leading to his arrest.
Mr Starmer said: ''This was, in essence, a one-off offensive Twitter message, intended for family and friends, which made its way into the public domain.
''It was not intended to reach Mr Daley or Mr Waterfield, it was not part of a campaign, it was not intended to incite others and Mr Thomas removed it reasonably swiftly and has expressed remorse.
''Before reaching a final decision in this case, Mr Daley and Mr Waterfield were consulted by the CPS and both indicated that they did not think this case needed a prosecution.''
