A Devon man has been jailed for 28 weeks after admitting to sending malicious communications to Labour MP Jess Phillips and two other individuals.
Jack Bennett, 39, pleaded guilty to the offence at Exeter Magistrates’ Court today, following an investigation into threats and harmful messages sent between April 2024 and January 2025.
Bennett was sentenced to 28 weeks in jail, and authorities have warned of the serious legal consequences of sending malicious communications.
MP Jess Phillips’ Reaction
Phillips has long been an advocate against online abuse and threats targeting public figures, particularly women in politics. She has yet to comment on the sentencing, but in the past has spoken about increased harassment of female MPs.
A Growing Problem
The conviction comes amid rising concerns over the safety of MPs and online threats targeting politicians. Several UK MPs have called for stronger protections following the murders of Jo Cox in 2016 and Sir David Amess in 2021.
Police have urged anyone experiencing threats, harassment, or online abuse to report it immediately.
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