Man Sentenced for Harassing MP Over 'English' Comments, Threatening Note
A suspended jail sentence and restraining order were issued to a man who left an axe and a threatening note at a Member of Parliament's office.
A man who left a threatening note at the office of Labour MP Henry Tufnell and carried an axe to a local pub has been given a suspended jail sentence.
Michael Glover, 59, pleaded guilty to both charges. The court heard that Glover, who has complex mental health difficulties and uses a wheelchair, was motivated by frustration over a delay in his blue badge application.
On March 10, Glover taped a bag containing a letter to the front door of Tufnell's office in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. In the signed letter, Glover claimed he knew where Tufnell lived with his family, including his newborn baby, and had left "some presents." Tufnell stated in a victim personal statement that the note made him feel "uneasy" and led him to reconsider his home security, including ensuring panic alarms and CCTV cameras were operational.
The following day, March 11, Glover carried an axe in a plastic bag to a local pub and displayed it to a member of the public. He was arrested the same day.
During sentencing at Swansea Crown Court, Judge Mark Powell KC emphasized that MPs are entitled to conduct their business without threats, regardless of their nationality. The judge acknowledged that while brandishing an axe would have been frightening, Glover did not intend to harm anyone. The court was told that Glover had been in custody for four months, which had been challenging due to his mental health and disabilities.
Glover's defense stated he had shown remorse and required support for his mental health needs. The judge imposed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, along with a five-year restraining order and a £154 victim surcharge.
Glover appeared via video link from the cells due to a "technical issue" with the building's lift.