Man admits making threat to kill Labour MP Sam Rushworth by ‘locking him in burning building’

Benjamin Clarke has admitted threatening to kill Labour's Bishop Auckland MP Sam Rushworth, pictured. Credit: Parliament TV

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

Benjamin Clarke, 31, of Durham Street, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (19 December) where he pleaded guilty to making threats to kill MP Sam Rushworth, and a malicious communications offence.

He was granted bail with the condition that he must not contact the Labour MP for Bishop Auckland 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.”

Mr Rushworth then blocked him from contacting him on the social media platform, preventing any further malicious communications offences, Ms Kemp said.

Benjamin Clarke leaves Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court after admitting he threatened to kill Bishop Auckland MP Sam Rushworth. Credit: PA

The following month, Clarke told two mental health practitioners that 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 has 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 Mr Rushworth, “but it is quite clear he has taken umbrage against the MP”.

He asked that a pre-sentence report 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.”

After the hearing, Mr Rushworth, who was not in court, said political discourse needed to be cleaned up.

He said: “I want to thank the police and parliamentary security for their hard work protecting elected representatives and our staff and call again for more civility in politics.

“It starts with cleaning up online discourse.

“What starts with fake news and hate speech, progresses to harassments, threats, and can all too easily make its way into the real world.”

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