Man admits threatening to kill Bishop Auckland MP Sam Rushworth

A man has admitted threatening to kill his MP, saying he wanted to lock him in a building and set it on fire.

Benjamin Clark, 31, of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court.

He pleaded guilty to making threats to kill and malicious communications offenses against MP Sam Rushworth.

Clarke, of Durham Street, was granted bail on the condition he has no contact with the Labor MP before being sentenced at Durham Crown Court on January 16.

Sarah Kemp, prosecuting, said Clarke contacted the MP on social media in August and said: “I can’t wait for your next public appearance, you’d be lucky to leave it in one piece.”

Ms Kemp said Rushworth then blocked her, to prevent any further malicious communication offences.

The following month, Clark told two mental health therapists that he wanted to find the MP and smash his head against the sidewalk, set fire to the building he was in and then “lock all the doors so that I can hear her screams”.

“I’m going to do it, it’s just a matter of time,” Clark said.

Ms Kemp said the MP had given a victim statement and was particularly concerned for the safety of his family.

Amrit Jandu, defending, said that Clarke had no political views or animosity towards Rushworth, “but it is quite clear that he has a grudge against the MP”.

He asked for a pre-sentence report to be made before Clarke’s appearance at the Crown Court.

Mr Jandu said his client had a history of mental health treatment.

“He will fully accept that his behavior on these occasions has been very poor,” he said.