Devon man jailed for 28 weeks after sending malicious messages to Labour MP Jess Phillips
Malicious Messages Land Jack Bennett Behind Bars
Jack Bennett, 39, from Devon, has been sentenced to 28 weeks in jail after pleading guilty to sending threatening and harmful messages to Labour MP Jess Phillips and two others. The case was heard at Exeter Magistrates’ Court.
The messages were sent over a nine-month period, from April 2024 to January 2025, sparking a police investigation that led to Bennett’s arrest.
Targeting Safety Minister Jess Phillips
Jess Phillips, MP for Birmingham Yardley and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, has been the focus of nasty online abuse in recent months.
The vile threats against her come shortly after billionaire Elon Musk publicly branded Phillips a “witch” and claimed she “deserves to be in prison” over her stance on the grooming gangs scandal. While no links have been drawn between Musk’s comments and Bennett’s offending, the MP has faced serious harassment.
Court Hears Distressing Threats
The court was told Bennett’s messages caused distress to the recipients, though the exact content remains confidential. Magistrates decided the threats were grave enough to deserve a jail term rather than a fine or community order.
Authorities have issued a stark warning about the consequences of sending malicious communications to anyone, especially public figures.
MP Jess Phillips Stands Against Online Abuse
Phillips, a vocal campaigner against online threats targeting women in politics, has yet to publicly comment on the sentence. She has previously highlighted the increasing harassment female MPs face.
This conviction adds to growing concerns about the safety of politicians, particularly following the tragic murders of Jo Cox in 2016 and Sir David Amess in 2021. Many MPs are demanding tougher protections against online abuse.
Police Call For Reports Of Abuse
Police are urging anyone receiving threats or harassment to report incidents immediately to help curb this worrying trend.
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