Former MP talks of ‘threatening’ emails from constituent

Menacing messages left Fife politician living in fear

A former Fife MP has described how threatening emails left him fearing for his safety and that of his staff.

Roger Mullin, who represented Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath at the time, said he was told he would “pay for your ignorance” in one of numerous disturbing emails.

Last month, Shri Devi Hailes, who is also known as James Wells, was convicted of repeatedly emailing Mr Mullin at his constituency office in Kirkcaldy High Street.

The charge against Hailes, 54, said the emails, which were sent between December 3 2016 and January 3 2017, included menacing and threatening remarks and that the conduct of the accused caused Mr Mullin fear and alarm.

Mr Mullin, who was SNP MP for the area before he lost his seat to Labour’s Lesley Laird in last year’s elections, said: “It felt very threatening.”

He added: “It was disturbing for me and my staff. He said he knew where we were, our movements and that we had nowhere to hide.

“He claimed to have a military background and the threats were escalating.”

Mr Mullin said he was reluctant to report the incident, but took the advice from House of Commons officials to notify the police, who he praised along with prosecutors for their handling of the case.

Hailes was convicted at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on January 30 and will return for sentencing on March 14.

“I am not a medical expert but this person seemed mentally disturbed and I was reluctant to get the authorities involved,” said Mr Mullin.

“Society has a duty of care to those with mental health problems, but I also have a duty of care to my staff.

“I have no desire for revenge or punishment and I hope he gets the support he needs.”

The events happened six months after the murder of Jo Cox MP, who was shot and stabbed in her constituency by a far-right terrorist in June 2016.

Mr Mullin said MPs are vulnerable by the nature of their job, but insisted they must remain accessible to the public.

“It’s difficult to know where to draw the line,” he said.

“I’ve always been of the firm belief that MPs should be as open and available to the public as possible, but in doing we are putting them and their staff at risk.

“That’s unfortunately the way society has gone right now.”

He said he knew where we were, our movements and that we had nowhere to hide. MR MULLIN

Picture: Getty. Roger Mullin represented Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath at the time.