A man who made a series of vile threats to kill the Bishop Auckland MP has been jailed.
Benjamin Clarke left Sam Rushworth and his family terrified that he would carry out the threat to “smash his head off a pavement”, then, “to set fire to a building he was in and lock all the doors so I could hear him screaming”.
The 32-year-old started abusing the MP within a month of his election last year and the messages became more sinister when he made a series of threats to medical professionals.
Clarke's unhealthy obsession with the MP started when he posted a message saying - 'I can't wait for your next public appearance, you will be lucky to leave in one piece'.
Teesside Crown Court heard how Mr Rushworth initially wanted the police to warn Clarke about his behaviour but his fixation with the MP continued unabated.
Mr Justice Cotter sentenced the defendant to 18-months in prison with an extended 18-months on licence once he is released.
He said: "The future is in your hands. You are an intelligent man, you have time to reflect on what has happened.
"You have one wonderful life. You have the ability to have a useful and happy one but you must take steps now so that your behaviour changes and you don't come before the courts again."
Sue Hurst, prosecuting, said Clarke initially threatened to kill the MP when he was receiving treatment with a mental health professional who was so concerned about his behaviour it was reported to police.
The court heard how the defendant made another series of threats to paramedics when he called them whilst suffering from suicidal thoughts.
Clarke, of Durham Street, Bishop Auckland, pleaded guilty to two charges of making threats to kill and a further charge of making malicious communication also relating to the Labour member.
Tom Bennett, mitigating, said his client had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and was of previous good character until his conviction.
He said Clarke never intended to carry out the threats and it needed to be determined whether he is 'all mouth or capable of following through'. with his threats.
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Clarke was also made subject to an indefinite restraining order to protect Mr Rushworth and his family.
Head of Neighbourhood Policing, Superintendent Neal Bickford, has responsibly for enhancing the safety and security of Members of Parliament in Durham Constabulary area, said: “In a democratic society, elected officials must be able to serve the public without fear for their lives or the safety of their families.
"Recent threats to MPs represent not only a danger to individual representatives, but a broader threat to the integrity of our democratic institutions.
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