McCann 'Twitter troll' found dead

zappaDPJ · Oct 06, 2014, 06:34:21

QuoteA 63-year-old woman who was allegedly part of an internet hate campaign against the family of Madeleine McCann has been found dead in a hotel.

Brenda Leyland, from Burton Overy, Leicestershire, was accused of being one of the so-called "trolls" directing abusive messages at the McCanns.

Her body was found days after she was confronted outside her home by a Sky News reporter.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-29501646

It appears this women paid the ultimate price for her behaviour. A week ago she was sitting anonymously behind her PC trolling the McCanns because she felt she was 'entitled to do that' and now she's dead in a hotel.

Just to prove that death is no impediment to stupidity, here come the trolls: https://www.facebook.com/SackMartinBrunt

pctech · Oct 06, 2014, 19:32:48

Yep.

Time to get rid of facebook, can't think of anything positive it's brought about.

Wonder if she couldn't live with the shame of what she had done.

If the McCanns are guilty of anything, it is excercising poor judgement and I don't doubt they regret their decision to leave poor Maddie alone every minute of every day which is am sure painful enough without having to read the vitriol of someone who thinks they can have a go using their keyboard.

It's very sad it had to end this way though.

zappaDPJ · Oct 06, 2014, 20:32:20

Quote from: pctech on Oct 06, 2014, 19:32:48
Time to get rid of facebook, can't think of anything positive it's brought about.

As much as I despise Facebook it does bring benefits for millions of people but in any case I don't think getting rid of it addresses the issue. The key is how to ensure Internet users are made accountable for their content without removing the option of anonymity.

pctech · Oct 06, 2014, 22:14:57

Indeed Zap.

Clive · Oct 06, 2014, 22:26:24

At least she did the decent thing. I would encourage others to follow suit.

Technical Ben · Oct 07, 2014, 18:32:45

No, the decent thing is turning ones life around and helping others.

There have been great contrasts to this in the news recently. Those working for others with illness or as part of a charity, and those taking from others. May we all be part of the group giving and building!

Clive · Oct 07, 2014, 19:35:34

Working for a charity is oft the cause of mislaid heads. I'd like to retain mine for a few more years.

Technical Ben · Oct 08, 2014, 23:21:40

Well, you know what I mean.

There are tons of people with great skills. Pity when they use them for safe cracking!