Man Jailed for Threatening MP in Online Rant
A Northolt man has been locked up after sending an abusive and threatening message to an MP on Facebook. Wayne Kirby, 49, was caught following a quick-fire Met Police probe into the online attack.
Met Police Crack Down on Abuse
Back in June 2018, the Metropolitan Police’s Parliamentary Liaison and Investigation Team received reports of a threatening message posted on an MP’s Facebook page. Officers traced the message back to Kirby, linking the abusive post to his phone and Facebook profile.
Arrest and Court Drama
Kirby was arrested on 25 September 2018 by detectives from Ealing CID. During the arrest, police seized his phone and found a small amount of cannabis. He was charged with sending a threatening message and possession of cannabis.
At Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on 26 February, Kirby pleaded guilty to both offences. Today, Westminster Magistrates’ Court handed him 28 days in prison for the threatening message and a £250 fine for cannabis possession.
Zero Tolerance for Harassment of MPs
“We take all reports of crimes from MPs very seriously and deal robustly with incidents of harassment and abuse,” said Detective Inspector Phil Grindell.
“It is not right that anyone is harassed, intimidated or obstructed because of their job, and we will bring those responsible to justice.”
