Man Who Sent Abusive Emails to Keir Starmer and Others Avoids Prison
A man who sent a barrage of abusive emails to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and other public figures has been spared jail after a court heard of his mental health struggles and autistic traits. Mark Tew, 63, was described as a prolific emailer who targeted politicians and barristers with messages full of profanities and threats.
Court Proceedings and Charges
At Southwark Crown Court, Tew was found guilty of seven counts of sending electronic communications with intent to cause distress or anxiety. He denied and was cleared of an additional count related to former Home Secretary Priti Patel. The emails, which included calling Starmer a gutless dirty bastard, were intercepted by staff and not read by the recipients themselves.
Prosecutor Sahil Sinha argued that the harm extended beyond the individuals targeted, potentially discouraging others from seeking public office and impacting democracy. Tew also admitted six counts of failure to surrender to court after missing multiple dates.
Sentencing and Restraining Order
Mr Tew received a 17-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with a four-month curfew monitored by an electronic tag. A restraining order was issued, forbidding him from contacting the Prime Minister, three barristers, another MP, and a Lord he had offended.
Defence lawyer Stella Harris cited Tew's poor physical and mental health, including anxiety and a persecutory personality disorder, as factors in his behavior. She noted he had been drinking excessively at the time but had since cut back.
Judge's Remarks and Context
Judge Mr Justice Murray acknowledged Tew's diagnosis with autistic traits might have impaired his understanding of the messages' impact. He highlighted the seriousness of the offences, especially given the timing shortly after MP David Amess was stabbed, which heightened public anxiety about politician safety.
The judge distinguished between rude emails and the criminal ones in this case, which contained grossly offensive content or threats. Examples included emails sent in March 2021 to Starmer with violent language and later messages threatening beheadings to barristers.
Broader Implications
A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson emphasized the importance of protecting elected officials from harassment to uphold democratic roles. The case underscores ongoing concerns about online abuse targeting public figures and the legal responses to such behavior.
