A protester who accused a drag act performer of grooming children in social media posts has been convicted of hate crimes.

Christopher Mitchell, 33, was among activists who protested outside North Walsham Library last August forcing the cancellation of a planned storytime reading event by drag queen 'Auntie' Titania Trust.

Eastern Daily Press: Christpher Mitchell (centre in cap) with protesters outside planned drag queen reading event at North Walsham LibraryChristpher Mitchell (centre in cap) with protesters outside planned drag queen reading event at North Walsham Library (Image: Newsquest)

Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court heard in social media posts he had revealed the real name of Joseph Ballard, who has performed under the drag queen persona since 2011, and accused him of “grooming children”.

Emma Pocknell, prosecuting, said in a Facebook post he had also said parents whose children were due to attend the event “clearly have serious issues and should have their devices checked”. 

He also uploaded a YouTube video that included further derogatory comments about Mr Ballard, she added.

Mitchell, a welder who lives in Caister-on-Sea, had earlier pleaded guilty to two charges of sending malicious communications.

Appearing to be sentenced on Wednesday, Mitchell, who represented himself, denied sending threats. 

Eastern Daily Press: Auntie Titania story time event at Millennium Library in NorwichAuntie Titania story time event at Millennium Library in Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order requiring he carry out 20 rehabilitation days and 150 hours unpaid work and ordered he pay £1,500 compensation. 

Ms Pocknell said the posts had a “profound effect” on Mr Ballard and were aggravated because they were considered hate crimes.

Reading a personal impact statement, she said he had been left paranoid and fearful of being targeted. 

Although he subsequently appeared in a pantomime in North Walsham it had to have additional security over further protests.

Eastern Daily Press: Chris Mitchell (far left) also attended a protest against a drag queen event at the Millennium Library in NorwichChris Mitchell (far left) also attended a protest against a drag queen event at the Millennium Library in Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

“I genuinely feared for my life and safety and others around me,” said Mr Ballard, who had claimed £9,000 compensation, including £6,000 for loss of earnings and £2,000 for extra security measures.

Events like Storytime with Auntie Titania that aim to encourage reading while teaching “lessons on diversity" have hit with headlines after protests, with critics claiming they are sexualising children.