PRISON FOR THREATS TO KILL MP
‘Far-right extremist’ threatened to shoot and kill Bridget Phillipson during terrifying campaign of ‘vigilante democracy’ because she supported a second Brexit referendum
A ‘far-right extremist’ who threatened to shoot and kill an MP during a terrifying campaign of ‘vigilante democracy’ because she supported a second Brexit referendum has been jailed.
Colin Brown, who had "expressed support" for the murder of Jo Cox, said he wanted to "make an example" of Bridget Phillipson, MP for Houghton and Sunderland South.
The 50-year-old, who has a previous conviction for hurling racial abuse at council staff, also threatened he was going to "hurt" Julie Elliott, MP for Sunderland Central and said politicians needed "shooting".
During the shocking threat she made in 2019, Brown warned he would drive a car into a mosque in a bid to target Muslims.
At Newcastle Crown Court, Judge Tim Gittins sentenced Brown to 18 months behind bars and said the jail term was a "deterrent to others who seek to poison democratic and political debate by threatening those who disagree with you".
Judge Gittins told Brown some of his statements were "chilling" and told him: "It is clear you hold some views that are extreme and appalling in relation to race and religion.
"You took exception to the local MP's stance on withdrawal of the UK from the European Union.
"You are perfectly entitled to hold a different view to anyone, as is she.
"What you are not entitled to do is threaten serious violence and death to that person holding a different view."
In a victim statement, Mrs Phillipson said the threats to her were "very worrying and distressing".
She added: "I work hard to serve my community. Iam concerned for the safety of myself, my family and my staff.
"Due to the repeated nature and violence involved in the threats towards me I am fearful he may carry out his threats.
"I work tirelessly to support my community and it should not be part of my role or an expectation people can make threats without facing consequences.
Mrs Elliott, who shares an office with Mrs Phillipson, said she got a "sick feeling inside" and added: "I appreciate I am an MP but I am also a human being.
"I have a family therefore this also impacts on them."
The court heard Brown was an inpatient at Hopewood Hospital in Sunderland when he attended a meeting, attended by doctors and health professionals, in May 2019 and was asked about the beliefs he had expressed about Jo Cox.
Prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw said: "He stated there would be more Jo Coxs."
The court heard Brown was told his opinions could amount to criminal behaviour and he responded by saying "all politicians are criminals".
It was during day release from the hospital in December 2019 Brown made a series of calls to medical staff repeating the threats to Mrs Phillipson and said he was going to hurt Julie Elliott MP.
Brown, of no fixed address, admitted two charges of making threats to kill, using threatening behaviour with intention to cause harassment, threatening to damage property, sending threatening communication.
He also admitted assault and common assault after he threw a chair and injured two health care workers while being treated in hospital.
Penny Hall, defending, said: "At the time he was an inpatient in hospital, being treated for his mental health.
"Fortunately he did not act on his threats at all."