Man locked up for MP death threats

JUDGE SAYS 'DANGEROUS' CONSTUENT DEVELOPED 'STRONG AND IRRATIONAL' HATRED OF RUSHWORTH

- By Tom Wilkinson, David Huntley

AN “obsessed” County Durham constituent has been jailed for making death threats against a Labour MP.

Benjamin Clarke made “multiple” threats to kill Bishop Auckland MP Sam Rushworth and harm his wife. The 32-year-old has now been jailed for 18 months, with a court hearing he has a “strong and irrational hatred” of the MP.

Clarke was branded “dangerous” by Mr Justice Cotter after he said he wanted to “firebomb” Mr Rushworth, among other serious threats. Clarke will serve an extra 18 months of supervision once released after the judge heard that Clarke continues to harbour violent thoughts about the politician.

Clarke, of Durham Street, Bishop Auckland, contacted his MP in August on social media, saying: “I cannot wait until your next public appearance, you will be lucky to leave it in one piece.” Mr Rushworth contacted police and blocked his constituent on social media.