Home » politics » Angela Rayner: Men admit sending abusive messages to MP
politics

Angela Rayner: Men admit sending abusive messages to MP

Two men have pleaded guilty to sending offensive messages to Labor Deputy Leader Angela Rayner.

Stuart Kelly, 53, of Halifax, admitted to leaving three voicemails for Ms Rayner on October 15, 2021, including one that read “I hope you get shot”.

At the same hearing, Michael McGrath, 70, of Sheffield, admitted to sending an abusive email to the Ashton-under-Lyne MP’s office the following day.

Ms Rayner said the threats made her “constantly watch my back”.

Kelly was released on bail and will be sentenced at a later date, while McGrath was sentenced to six weeks in prison with 18 months suspended.

The two men, who previously appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court, were accused of sending an abusive, indecent, obscene or threatening message.

The court heard Kelly leave messages to Ms Rayner within 30 minutes calling her “scum”.

The abuse was broadcast immediately after the killing of MP Sir David Amess.

The conservative politician was stabbed while meeting voters in a regular doctor’s office.

In a victim statement read in court, Ms. Rayner described how the threats scared her, not just for herself but for her family, children and employees.

She said the killings of MP Jo Cox and Sir David made her concerned the same could happen to her.

The MP added that the abuse changed her as a person.

Why don’t you follow BBC North West? Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk