Man sentenced for abusive messages targeting UK lawmakers

Adrian Price targeted Yvette Cooper, Sir James Cleverly, and Peter Kyle with emails and voicemail messages, Wigan Magistrates’ Court heard. The messages included accusations of being “baby killers” and other derogatory terms.

Price, who resides on Bombay Road in Wigan, previously pleaded guilty to three counts of malicious communications between January 26 and March 9 of this year. He told the court, “I have spent hundreds and hundreds of hours protesting. It all got too much for my head. My bipolar.”

Voicemails left for Yvette Cooper, the Labour MP for Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley and current Health Secretary, contained particularly harsh language, including accusations of being a “dirty bitch” and a “war criminal.” Another message accused her of taking “dirty shekels” and being an “Israeli sponsored bitch,” referencing her three children.

Sir James Cleverly, the Conservative MP for Braintree, received a message calling him a “baby killing bastard” and accusing those who don’t support Israel of antisemitism. To Peter Kyle, the Labour MP for Hove and Portslade, Price said: “You stink of dead Palestinian children, you dirty, failed human being.”

The court heard that emails sent by Price mirrored the abusive nature of the voicemails.

Statements from two of the targeted MPs were submitted to the court. Sir James Cleverly emphasized that while disagreement is expected, Price’s actions went far beyond legitimate political engagement, causing distress and disrupting constituency work. Peter Kyle described the messages as creating “an atmosphere of terror.”

Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, expressed concern about the impact of harassment on democracy, referencing fears among MPs and potential retirements at the next election. He stated: “I firmly believe we have an obligation to protect democracy, particularly those elected by the ballot box. In recent years I have received phone calls that two members of Parliament have been murdered.”

Defence lawyer Katie Maloney argued that Price felt remorse and was struggling with mental health issues and alcohol abuse at the time of the offenses. She noted he now recognizes the need for counseling and has reduced his alcohol consumption.

District Judge Lucy Hogarth acknowledged the potential for rehabilitation but condemned the severity of Price’s actions, noting an implied threat of violence towards Yvette Cooper. She imposed a 16-week suspended sentence, along with an alcohol treatment requirement, probation supervision, 100 hours of unpaid work, and a 10-year restraining order preventing contact with the three MPs. Price was also ordered to pay £239 in court costs and a victim surcharge.