A Birmingham man has been sentenced to 12 weeks in custody after sending abusive and threatening emails to MP Jess Phillips, including telling her “hell is real, and you will burn.” Nabil Arif, 36, of Warwick Road, Birmingham, was sentenced on Monday, 9 September 2024, at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court. He has also been issued a restraining order, preventing him from contacting the MP indefinitely.
Arif was convicted on 29 July 2024 for sending by public communication network an offensive, indecent, obscene, or menacing message, following a trial at the same court. The emails were sent to Ms Phillips between 13 October 2023 and 20 February 2024 and referenced the Israel/Gaza conflict.
In her victim impact statement, Ms Phillips expressed her fears that Arif’s threats might escalate, potentially leading to physical harm. She described how the abuse has “limited my freedom and my ability to do my job closely with the public as I used to do.”
The final email, sent by Arif on 20 February 2024, called Ms Phillips “pathetic” and contained a threat that she would “burn until her skin is no more.” This message prompted Ms Phillips to report the matter to the police the following day.
Richard Purchase, representing the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said, “Members of Parliament have a right to perform their duties and represent their constituents without being subjected to derogatory messages that cause alarm and distress. It is clear that Nabil Arif’s behaviour escalated, leading Ms Phillips to fear for her safety.”
The case highlights the ongoing issue of abuse faced by public figures and the importance of legal protections for elected officials.
