A 52-year-old man has been handed a prison sentence after admitting to sending menacing messages to Labour MP Stella Creasy, in a case that underscores the growing threats faced by politicians.
Christopher Coppola, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment at Westminster Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to sending communications of a "menacing character".
Disturbing Communications
The court heard how Coppola sent multiple threatening messages to the Walthamstow MP over recent months. District Judge Neeta Minhas described the communications as "persistent and menacing," noting they had caused significant distress to the parliamentarian.
While the specific content of the messages remains protected, the court acknowledged the serious nature of the threats and their impact on Ms Creasy's sense of security.
Growing Concern for MP Safety
This case emerges against a backdrop of increasing concerns about the safety of elected officials in the UK. Several MPs have spoken out about receiving threats and abuse, both online and in person.
Stella Creasy has been notably vocal about the challenges faced by women in politics and has previously campaigned for better protection for public figures facing harassment.
Legal Consequences
Judge Minhas emphasized that threatening behaviour toward elected representatives would not be tolerated, stating that such actions "undermine the democratic process."
The sentence reflects the seriousness with which the courts are treating harassment of public officials, particularly following heightened awareness around politician safety since the murders of MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess.
Coppola was also made subject to a restraining order preventing him from contacting Ms Creasy for five years following his release from prison.
