Man admits threatening to kill Bishop Auckland MP Sam Rushworth

A man has admitted threatening to kill his MP after saying he wanted to lock him in a building and set fire to it.

Benjamin Clarke, 31, of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court.

He pleaded guilty to making threats to kill MP Sam Rushworth, and a malicious communications offence.

Clarke, of Durham Street, was granted bail with the condition he must not contact the Labour MP ahead of his sentencing on 16 January at Durham Crown Court.

Sara Kemp, prosecuting, said Clarke contacted the MP in August on social media, saying: “I cannot wait for your next public appearance, you will be lucky to leave it in one piece.”

Rushworth then blocked him, preventing any further malicious communications offences, Ms Kemp said.

The following month, Clarke told two mental health practitioners he wanted to find the MP and smash his head off a pavement, to set fire to a building he was in and then “lock all the doors so I could hear him screaming”.

Clarke added: “I’m going to do it, it’s just a matter of time.”

Ms Kemp said the MP had made a victim statement and was particularly concerned for the safety of his family.

Amrit Jandoo, defending, said Clarke had no political views or malice towards Rushworth, “but it is quite clear he has taken umbrage against the MP”.

He asked for a pre-sentence report to be made before Clarke’s crown court appearance.

Mr Jandoo said his client had a history of mental health treatment.

He added: “He would fully accept that his behaviour on these occasions has been very poor.”