A man who sent a threatening email to Ashton-under-Lyne and Failsworth MP Angela Rayner has been sentenced.

Benjamin Iliffe, 36, from Cambridgeshire, was given a suspended sentence at Huntington Magistrates' Court on Thursday (28 October) following an investigation carried out by Greater Manchester Police detectives and officers from Cambridgeshire Police.

The threatening email was sent to MP Rayner, who is also the deputy leader of the Labour Party, on 16 October from Iliffe's personal account where he told her to "watch your back and your kids".

Iliffe pleaded guilty to malicious communications and possession of cannabis and handed an 18-month suspended sentence.

He was also given a two-year restraining order with conditions not to contact Angela Rayner in any way, not to talk about her on social media and not to visit her constituency office.

Detective Sergeant Christopher Dean, from GMP's Tameside CID, said: "Abusive, threatening or bullying behaviour towards anyone is unacceptable and the threats received would leave anyone in fear - regardless of who they are.

"We will always do what we can to ensure those responsible are identified and held accountable for their behaviour - much like in this case which has seen a man brought to justice.

"I hope this sends a message to those wishing to send threats and abuse online to think again - we will take robust action - people should never live in fear."

Greater Manchester Police officers also arrested a 52-year-old man at an address in Halifax on Wednesday morning (27 October) on suspicion of malicious communications. 

He's since been released on bail pending further enquiries. His arrest related to abusive phone calls received by MP Rayner on Friday 15 October - which was also the same day that Conservative MP Sir David Amess was fatally stabbed at a constituency surgery in Essex. 

GMP say an additional arrest was made on Thursday morning (28 October) in conjunction with South Yorkshire Police.

A 70-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of malicious communication and he remains in custody for questioning. His arrest relates to abusive e-mails received on Saturday 16 October.

'They have had a devastating impact on me, my children and others close to me' 

On Thursday evening, MP Rayner - who is currently off work on bereavement leave - wrote a lengthy statement on her Facebook page in which she addressed the threats she has received. She described them as 'so terrifying and explicit' and said they have had 'a devastating impact' on those close to her. 

"In the past I have been reluctant to speak out about the abuse that I receive because I fear that doing so will only make the situation worse," she wrote.

"However, in recent weeks the threats that I have received against my life and the lives of close family have been so terrifying and explicit that I could not stay silent and simply continue to take it as ‘part of the job’. They have had a devastating impact on me, my children and others close to me.

"It shakes you when you get these threats. You worry about the safety of your home, your office and everything in your life. And it takes its toll on the people who work for me too.

"My staff come to work and do their jobs with dedication and professionalism. They bear the brunt of much of this abuse and then get on with their working day. Dealing with death threats and liaising with the police about their safety should not be a standard part of the day-to-day working life of a Member of Parliament or their staff.

"So I want to thank the police officers from Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire and Cambridgeshire Police who have arrested a number of people in recent days and demonstrated the utmost professionalism, courtesy and kindness both in carrying out their investigations and in supporting me, my family and my staff during what has been a very difficult time. I and my team will continue work with them to ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to justice.

"After attending a funeral on Monday I will be back to work, rolling my sleeves up and standing up for my brilliant constituents in Ashton-under-Lyne, Droylsden and Failsworth – along with everyone who needs a Labour government." 

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, visit www.letsendhatecrime.com.