A man who left an abusive voice message for MP Naz Shah has been given a suspended prison sentence, prosecutors have said.
Thomas Mearing, 26, pleaded guilty to a public communications offence at Taunton Magistrates’ Court relating to a voicemail left for the Bradford West Labour MP on November 19 2023.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Mearing was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for 18 months, as well as a five-year restraining order that bans him from contacting Ms Shah or attending her office.
It described how Mearing left a voicemail accusing the MP of supporting Hamas, as well as making other “derogatory comments”.
Mearing had phoned Ms Shah’s constituency office at the weekend where the call went straight to voicemail. It was picked up by a member of her staff the following Monday, the CPS said.
The voicemail was reported to West Yorkshire Police, with officers tracing it back to Mearing who lived in Yeovil, Somerset.
In a police interview, Mearing accepted leaving the voicemail but insisted it was not intended to cause alarm or distress. He later pleaded guilty to sending an offensive communication.
Alex Herowych, senior district crown prosecutor for the South West, said: “Mearing’s voicemail message was highly offensive and insulting to Ms Shah, and his comments have no place in a civilised society.
“There is a world of a difference between robust criticism – which elected representatives should expect – and hateful abuse, which neither Ms Shah nor her constituency staff should be subjected to.
“Members of Parliament are rightly protected by the same laws as everyone else, and would-be abusers should know they cannot send such vitriolic messages without repercussions.”
After the case, Ms Shah described abuse directed at MPs and their staff as “completely unacceptable”.
She said: “Robust debate, discussion and differing opinions should always be welcomed.
“As members of Parliament, it is our duty to engage in this process.
“However, intimidation, harassment and abuse directed at MPs and the hardworking staff who support us are completely unacceptable, just as they would be in any other workplace.
“Tragically, MPs have been murdered, and the current threat level remains extremely serious.
“We must ensure that MPs and MPs’ staff can carry out their roles without fear of violence or intimidation.”