PA MediaA man has admitted threatening to kill his MP, saying he wanted to lock him in a building and set him on fire.
Benjamin Clarke, 31, of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, appeared at Newton Eccliffe Magistrates’ Court.
He pleaded guilty to making threats to kill MP Sam Rushworth and making abusive communications.
Clarke, of Durham Street, was granted bail on condition he not contact the Labor MP before he is sentenced at Durham Crown Court on January 16.
Sarah Kemp, prosecuting, said Clark contacted the MP in August on social media and said: “I can’t wait for your next public appearance, you’ll be lucky to make it out in one piece.”
Ms Kemp said Rushworth then blocked her, preventing any further malicious communication offences.
‘a matter of time’
The following month, Clarke told two mental health practitioners that he wanted to find the MP and smash his head off the floor, set fire to the building he was in and then “lock all the doors so I I can hear her cry.”
Clarke added: “I’m going to do it, it’s just a matter of time.”
Ms Kemp said the MP had given an affected statement and was particularly concerned for the safety of her family.
Amrit Jundu, defending, said Clarke had no political views or malice towards Rushworth, “but it is quite clear that he has taken a grudge against the MP”.
He called for a pre-sentence report ahead of Clarke’s appearance at the Crown Court.
Mr Jundo said his client had a history of mental health treatment.
He added: “He will fully accept that his behavior on these occasions has been very poor.”