Woman Sentenced for Threatening Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner
A 63-year-old woman has been legally barred from contacting former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner after sending a series of abusive voicemails that included threats to kill her and her son. Elizabeth Harker of Luton, Bedfordshire, was handed an 18-month community order and two five-year restraining orders by Westminster Magistrates' Court.
Abusive Messages Sent on Day of Resignation
The court heard that Harker left four voicemails on a hotline at Rayner's constituency office on September 5, the same day Rayner resigned from her Cabinet positions as deputy prime minister and housing secretary. All messages were described as abusive, with Harker calling Rayner a 'filthy whore' and 'slag' while making explicit threats against her and her son.
The calls originated from a mobile phone registered to Harker's home address, providing clear evidence linking her to the harassment campaign. District Judge Briony Clarke noted that Harker's actions had 'a significant impact on the two victims' involved in the case.
Additional Offensive Letter to Unrelated Victim
In a separate incident, Harker was captured on a Ring security doorbell posting a handwritten note filled with slurs to the Luton home of Dorris Fortune on November 2. The letter contained offensive comments including 'drop dead scrounger,' though Fortune testified she had no understanding of why she was targeted.
In her victim impact statement, Fortune expressed how the message made her feel 'anxious at home, even when I have the dog with me,' adding that 'whoever received this would be very distressed as it is a very offensive note.'
Judge's Remarks on Seriousness of Offenses
Judge Clarke told Harker during sentencing: 'Ms Rayner is a Member of Parliament, working in a public-facing role. It is also aggravated by the fact that you were drunk at the time.' The judge expressed particular surprise that Harker, with no previous convictions at age 63, had engaged in such behavior.
'The messages, the call, the letter – all completely unprovoked, deeply unpleasant and no doubt did have an impact on the victims,' Judge Clarke stated, describing the offenses as serious.
Sentencing and Rehabilitation Requirements
Harker received an 18-month community order that includes a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 200 hours of unpaid work. The court also ordered her to complete a 12-month alcohol treatment program to address what the judge called the 'root cause' of her behavior.
The two restraining orders prohibit Harker from contacting either Rayner or Fortune directly or indirectly for five years. Rayner described Harker's behavior as 'unacceptable' and said she felt 'distressed and alarmed' by the threats.
Remorse and Previous Guilty Plea
Harker had previously pleaded guilty to sending communications that were 'grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character' through the four voicemails targeting Rayner. The court heard that Harker has expressed remorse for her actions and has attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings while seeking help from her GP for long-term issues.
Rayner's resignation from her Cabinet positions in September followed revelations about insufficient stamp duty payment on an £800,000 flat in Hove, though this matter was unrelated to the harassment case.
