Businessman pleads guilty to trolling MPs

A BUSINESSMAN who bombarded MPs opposed to Brexit with vile messages and death threats actually voted Remain, a court heard.

Paul Ritchie, 34, targeted MPs and former MPs including exLabour leader Jeremy Corbyn, former Home Secretary Amber Rudd and SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford.

But lawyer Emma Fenn told a court the 28 messages sent over a six-month period ‘don’t bear any resemblance’ to his political views, and that he voted to Remain.

Ritchie could face up to two years in jail after pleading guilty at Southwark Crown Court yesterday to 28 counts of sending an electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety between March and August 2019.

Ritchie, who now lives in Dolphinton, Lanarkshire, was traced and arrested at his then flat in Paddington, central London. Sentencing was adjourned until June 18.