UPDATED WITH SENTENCE: Man given restraining order after making threats to MP's office
A man has received a restraining order after he admitted making abusive calls to a London MP’s office.
On 31 January 2024, James Phillips, 46, made several phone calls to Mike Freer MP’s office. In these calls, Phillips was heard heavily breathing down the phone and telling Mr Freer that he was “coming for [him]”.
Phillips admitted making these calls during police interview, and was charged under Section 127 of the Communications Act for sending Menacing Communications.
He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 7 February where he pleaded guilty to one count of sending an offensive communication, and a separate offence of assaulting a police officer on 6 February.
Phillips was sentenced today at the same court to a 14-month community order, with a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement, and received a two-year restraining order, banning him from contacting Mr Freer.
He was also ordered to pay £200 compensation to the police officer he assaulted.
Nathan Miebai, from the CPS, said: “Phillips undoubtedly intended to cause serious distress to Mr Freer when calling his office directly to state his threat.
"Maintaining public safety is a top priority for the CPS and we will always prosecute cases like these whenever our legal test is met."
Notes to editors
- James Phillips, [DOB: 13/05/1977], is from the London Borough of Haringey.
- He was sentenced to a 12-month community order, with a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement, and given a two-year restraining order. He was also ordered to pay £200 compensation to the police officer he assaulted on 6 February.
- Nathan Miebai is a Senior District Crown Prosecutor from CPS London North.