Two men have pleaded guilty to sending abusive messages to Ashton-under-Lyne and Failsworth MP Angela Rayner.

Michael McGrath, 70, of Sheffield, and Stuart Kelly, 53, of Halifax, pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrate's Court on Thursday (17 March) following a Greater Manchester Police investigation into malicious communications sent to the Labour party's deputy leader. 

McGrath was sentenced to six weeks, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to pay courts costs amounting to £200, after pleading guilty to sending an offensive/indecent/obscene/menacing message.

Kelly will be sentenced separately on 14 April 2022.

On 16 October 2021, McGrath sent threatening and abusive emails to the woman calling her a 'f****** vile b****' amongst other insults.

Two days later, Kelly left three voicemails on the woman's answerphone calling her 'a f****** murderer' and saying that he wished she would be shot dead.

Detective Sergeant Christopher Dean, of GMP's Tameside CID, said: "Abusive and threatening emails or phone calls, towards anyone, is unacceptable and not only impacts the life of those they are directed at but also those close to them.

"The abusive messages both McGrath and Kelly sent to this woman left her incredibly fearful for her safety and the safety of those around her. We launched a full investigation to identify those responsible and I hope today's sentence clearly demonstrates that these actions have consequences.

"What you think may be a quick and harmless email or phone call can result in a criminal conviction and we will always do what we can to take robust action against you."

Anyone who has been a victim or witnessed a hate crime is asked to report it at the earliest opportunity online or by using GMP's LiveChat service at www.gmp.police.uk.

For victim support and information, visit gmvictims.org.uk. To find out more information and advice about hate crime, go to www.letsendhatecrime.com.