Woman Who Threatened Angela Rayner Spared Jail
A woman who sent death threats to Angela Rayner on the day the politician resigned from the Cabinet has been spared a prison sentence. Elizabeth Harker, 63, targeted the former deputy prime minister with abusive voicemails that included threats to kill her and her son.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
At Westminster Magistrates' Court, District Judge Briony Clarke handed Harker an 18-month community order. The judge noted that the offences were serious and had a significant impact on the victims. Harker was also banned from contacting Ms Rayner and another woman, Dorris Fortune, under two five-year restraining orders.
In addition to the community order, Harker must complete 200 hours of unpaid work and adhere to a 12-month alcohol treatment requirement. The court heard that alcohol misuse was a root cause of her behaviour. She must also pay £85 in costs and a £114 statutory surcharge.
Details of the Offences
Harker left four voicemails at Ms Rayner's Ashton-under-Lyne constituency office on the day of her resignation in September. The messages, described as grossly offensive and menacing, included calling Ms Rayner a 'filthy whore' and a 'slag', along with explicit death threats against her and her son.
In an unrelated incident, Harker posted a handwritten note filled with slurs to Dorris Fortune's home in Luton on November 2. The letter was captured on a Ring security doorbell, showing Harker leaving it at the door before running away.
Impact on the Victims
Ms Rayner described Harker's behaviour as 'unacceptable' and stated she felt 'distressed and alarmed' by the threats. In her victim impact statement, Ms Fortune expressed anxiety and confusion, noting that the offensive note made her feel unsafe at home, even with her dog present.
Judge Clarke emphasised that Ms Rayner's public-facing role as an MP aggravated the offence. She also highlighted that Harker was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incidents.
Defence and Remorse
Defence lawyer Lewis Green acknowledged that Harker should not have reacted in such a manner and accepted she was wrong. He suggested the abuse directed at Ms Fortune was part of the same misplaced angst. The court heard that Harker has expressed remorse, attended Alcoholics Anonymous, and sought help from her GP for long-term alcohol issues.
Despite having no previous convictions, Judge Clarke remarked on the unprovoked and deeply unpleasant nature of Harker's actions, which undoubtedly affected the victims profoundly.
