Mike Freer previously announced he would be stepping down at the next election due to the abuse he receives.
SHARE:
A man has been convicted of threatening behaviour towards MP Mike Freer after calling his office and saying “I’m coming for you.”
James Phillips, 46, of Brampton Park Road, Haringey, pleaded guilty to malicious communications at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 7 February.
The threatening calls were made to the MP’s office on the 31 January, and a Met police investigation began the next day.
Mr Phillips was arrested on 6 February.
Detective Superintendent Will Lexton-Jones said that “officers carried out urgent enquiries to identify and locate the suspect and detectives have worked tirelessly to secure charges. This conviction demonstrates how seriously we treat threats and abuse towards MPs and other public officials.”
Phillips admitted making three grossly offensive phone calls, threatening the staff at the MP’s office, and using expletive language.
Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring granted conditional bail until his sentencing on 6 March. He has been told he could face jail time.
Representing the defence, Rita Patel said Phillips had a history of depression and anxiety.
James Phillips admitted the charges and is awaiting sentencing. Credit: Metropolitan Police
Mike Freer is the Conservative member of parliament for Finchley and Golders Green in North London. He announced last month that he would be stepping down as an MP at the next election due to the high level of abuse he receives. He has represented Finchley and Golders Green since 2010.
In a public statement, Mr Freer said he avoided murder “by the skin of my teeth” by Ali Harbi Ali, who went on to kill fellow Conservative MP Sir David Amess in October 2021.
A fire on Christmas Eve at Mr Freer’s North London constituency office has since been confirmed as an arson attack by the police. The incident is still being investigated, but police say they don’t think there is any connection with James Phillips.
Submitted Article
Headline
Short Headline
Standfirst
Published Article
HeadlineMan pleads guilty of threatening north London MP Mike Freer
Short HeadlineMan pleads guilty of threatening north London MP
Standfirst Mike Freer MP was told "I'm coming for you" over the phone.
A man has been convicted of threatening behaviour towards MP Mike Freer after calling his office and saying “I’m coming for you.”
James Phillips, 46, of Brampton Park Road, Haringey, pleaded guilty to malicious communications at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 7 February.
The threatening calls were made to the MP’s office on the 31 January, and a Met police investigation began the next day.
Mr Phillips was arrested on 6 February.
Detective Superintendent Will Lexton-Jones said that “officers carried out urgent enquiries to identify and locate the suspect and detectives have worked tirelessly to secure charges. This conviction demonstrates how seriously we treat threats and abuse towards MPs and other public officials.”
Phillips admitted making three grossly offensive phone calls, threatening the staff at the MP’s office, and using expletive language.
Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring granted conditional bail until his sentencing on 6 March. He has been told he could face jail time.
Representing the defence, Rita Patel said Phillips had a history of depression and anxiety.
James Phillips admitted the charges and is awaiting sentencing. Credit: Metropolitan Police
Mike Freer is the Conservative member of parliament for Finchley and Golders Green in North London. He announced last month that he would be stepping down as an MP at the next election due to the high level of abuse he receives. He has represented Finchley and Golders Green since 2010.
In a public statement, Mr Freer said he avoided murder “by the skin of my teeth” by Ali Harbi Ali, who went on to kill fellow Conservative MP Sir David Amess in October 2021.
A fire on Christmas Eve at Mr Freer’s North London constituency office has since been confirmed as an arson attack by the police. The incident is still being investigated, but police say they don’t think there is any connection with James Phillips.
