Thomas Mearing received a suspended sentence for leaving an offensive voicemail for a Bradford MP, accusing her of supporting Hamas.
He also got a five-year restraining order. This order stops him from contacting Ms. Shah or going to her office, which is her constituency office.
The Crown Prosecution Service shared details about the case. Mearing accused Ms. Shah of backing Hamas and made nasty comments about her in a voicemail in November 2023.
The incident happened after an attack on Israel, October 7. He called Ms. Shah’s office in Bradford West during the weekend, and the call went straight to voicemail.
A staff member heard the voicemail the following Monday and reported it to West Yorkshire Police. Police found Mearing, who lived in Yeovil, Somerset.
Mearing admitted he left the voicemail. He said he didn’t mean to cause alarm or distress, but he eventually pleaded guilty anyway, admitting to sending an offensive message to the MP.
Alex Herowych, who works for CPS, said Mearing’s message was insulting and offensive to Ms. Shah. He also stated such comments have no place in a civilized society.
Members of Parliament deserve protection and have rights, just like everyone else. People cannot send hateful messages, and abusers should know there are consequences.