A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to 28 months in prison after sending hoax emails threatening death and serious harm to three schools in Merseyside. Darren Rigby, of Worthington Close in Runcorn, admitted three counts of sending communication threatening death or serious harm at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, June 1.
The emails were sent to Holly Lodge Girls’ College in West Derby on January 19, Greenbank High School in Southport on January 23, and The Belvidere Academy in Liverpool on January 26. Merseyside Police launched an investigation following the reports and arrested Rigby shortly after the third incident.
In addition to the threats, Rigby pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled Class B drug (cannabis) and possession of an offensive weapon (a baton) in a private place. He was also issued with three restraining orders prohibiting further contact with the schools.
Detective Chief Inspector John Black said: “I sincerely hope that our investigation and the arrest of Rigby only days after the third incident was reported shows how extremely seriously we take these reports. Rigby clearly intended to cause fear and alarm not only for staff and children at the three schools, but also parents and the wider community.”
Black added: “He thought he could hide behind his keyboard and there would be no consequences, but it wasn’t long before he was in handcuffs and sat in the back of a police car.” The police reassured parents that schools have well-established procedures to keep children and staff safe during potential incidents.
