A MAN has been handed a suspended prison sentence over a hate message sent to Ashton MP Angela Rayner.
Michael McGrath branded the deputy leader of the Labour Party a ‘f***ing vile b****’ in threatening and abusive emails, among other insults.
Now after pleading guilty at London’s Westminster Magistrates Court, the 50-year-old, of the Frecheville area of Sheffield, has been sentenced to six weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, after pleading guilty to sending an offensive/indecent/obscene/menacing message.
Stuart Kelly, 53, of Halifax, West Yorkshire, will be sentenced on April 14 after admitting the same charge.
That relates to three voicemail messages left on October 18 calling her ‘a f***ing murderer’ and saying that he wished she would be shot dead.
Despite appearing in court in London, Greater Manchester Police carried out the investigation and Detective Sergeant Christopher Dean of Tameside CID said: “Abusive and threatening emails or phone calls, towards anyone, is unacceptable and not only impacts the life of those they are directed at but also those close to them.
“The abusive messages both McGrath and Kelly sent to this woman left her incredibly fearful for her safety and the safety of those around her.
“We launched a full investigation to identify those responsible and I hope McGrath’s sentence clearly demonstrates that these actions have consequences.
“What you think may be a quick and harmless email or phone call can result in a criminal conviction and we will always do what we can to take robust action against you.”
McGrath was also ordered to pay £200 court costs.