Corbyn egg attacker jailed

A Brexit supporter who yelled “respect the vote” as he struck Jeremy Corbyn while clutching an egg has been jailed for 28 days.

The Labour leader has been forced to review his security after the attack in his constituency by John Murphy, which came less than a week after his party announced it would support a second referendum on EU membership.

The assault on 3 March came amid heightened Brexit tensions, with Remainsupporting politicians telling how they have received death threats and MPS being warned about their safety. Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot acknowledged the “current climate” as she jailed remorseless Murphy, 31, of Barnet, north-west London, for 28 days yesterday after he admitted a charge of assault by beating.

She told Westminster Magistrates’ Court: “An attack like this is an attack on our democratic process.”

Ms Arbuthnot had warned she wanted to send the message that “attacks on our MPS must stop” and noted Mr Corbyn has been forced to review his security.

CCTV footage released after the hearing shows Murphy calmly walking up behind a seated Mr Corbyn before thumping him on the side of the head.