Former Councillor Convicted of Harassing Senior MP
A 61-year-old former councillor has been found guilty of stalking Dame Penny Mordaunt, the prominent Conservative MP and former leadership contender. Edward Brandt was convicted at Southampton Crown Court following a trial that revealed the MP's genuine fears for her safety.
The jury reached its decision by a majority of 10 to 2, finding Brandt guilty of stalking, though he was acquitted of the more serious charge of stalking involving serious alarm or distress.
Pattern of Persistent Harassment
The court heard how Brandt engaged in a sustained campaign of unwanted contact between September 11, 2023 and May 12, 2024. This included sending at least 17 emails and three phone messages to Ms Mordaunt.
Brandt, who lived on the Isle of Wight at the time, also visited her Portsmouth constituency office outside normal operating hours. Despite receiving a conditional caution in April 2024 that required him to complete a victim awareness course and cease contact, Brandt continued his pursuit.
The divorced father-of-two, now living in Lymington, Hampshire, left voicemail messages on May 6 and 10 in which he stated: "I am going to go on gently knocking at your door in order to shake your hand, I am not giving up."
MP's Fear of Sexual Violence
In a powerful police statement, Dame Penny revealed she "feared sexual violence" because of what she described as Brandt's "creepy" behaviour. She told the court that despite her experience dealing with various threats during her 14-year parliamentary career, this case felt different.
"The difference between this case and even threats to shoot me and my family," she explained, "they are easier to deal with because that threat is not constantly present, it's not something you are having to think about every single day when you are leaving your house."
The MP emphasized that she believed Brandt represented a "real threat" that remained ongoing.
Defendant's Explanation and Reaction
Brandt, a former East Hampshire District Council councillor and professional sailor, claimed his intentions were purely political and harmless. He told the court he wanted to commiserate with Dame Penny for not becoming prime minister, congratulate her on her role in the coronation, and have her sign a copy of her book.
Brandt, who said he had been diagnosed with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder, explained that he "harmlessly kept trying" because he wasn't receiving replies from her office.
Following the verdicts, Brandt wept and covered his face with his hands. Judge William Mousley KC adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report and released Brandt on conditional bail until sentencing on January 16.
Brandt had already been made subject to an interim stalking protection order at Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on July 16, 2024.
