Paul Ritchie, 34, admitted 28 counts of sending malicious and abusive emails
He called former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn a terrorist and told former Home Secretary Amber Rudd she faced being assassinated in string of emails in 2019
Others targeted include former Commons Speaker John Bercow, former Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson, successor Sir Ed Davey and ex-MP Chuka Umunna
Ritchie, from Scotland, was released on bail until his sentencing hearing in June
By The National
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford was among the MPs who received abuse A BUSINESSMAN has admitted sending a string of abusive emails to MPs, as the Commons Speaker said he should face “the full force of the law”. Paul Ritchie, 34, could face up to two years in jail after pleading guilty to 28 counts of sending an electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety at Southwark Crown Court earlier today. The charges relate to emails sent over a six-month period between March and August 2019, with victims including SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford, former Commons speaker John Bercow and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
By Monidipa Fouzder2021-02-24T09:20:00+00:00
A member of the commons justice select committee and former magistrate is proposing a bill that would ensure young defendants are treated as children by the justice system, even if they turn 18 before their first court appearance.
Rob Butler MP, who formerly served on the Youth Justice Board and as the magistrate member of the Sentencing Council, asked MPs in the Commons yesterday if he could introduce the bill, which has been co-sponsored by Conservative MP Bob Neill, chair of the justice committee.
Currently, the justice system treats a defendant according to their age on the date they first appear in court and enter a plea.
By Monidipa Fouzder2021-02-11T11:02:00+00:00
A defendant turned up to court to explain he had Covid symptoms because he could not get through to staff on the phone, a solicitor-advocate has told MPs to highlight the pressures arising from how the justice system is coping during the pandemic.
Giving evidence on court capacity to the Commons justice select committee on Tuesday, Hollie Collinge, of Brighton firm Kellys Solicitors, said: ‘I’ve noticed enormous uncertainty and anxiety about whether people should or shouldn’t be going to court. Often that’s something we only find out about at the very last minute or perhaps even on the day.