A HEREFORDSHIRE retiree has been sentenced after sending a letter to an MP threatening to stab her in the neck after the death of his dog.
The letter sent to the then-Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones asked for money and said Jones would be “stabbed to death” if she did not pay out.
The letter included a threat to “insert a knife on the left side of the human neck”, saying she would be “stabbed to death”, and referred to Jones and members of Powys County Council as “you Welsh people”.
The letter was handwritten by Charles Turner, a 65-year-old man from Godiva Road in Leominster.
The letter referenced Turner’s dog Jasmine who died in 2014 and said Ms Jones should “pay” for what happened to the dog.
It was not made clear why Turner felt Jones should be responsible for the dog's death.
Turner was represented at a hearing at Hereford Magistrates’ Court on May 30 by solicitor Jason Patel, after a previous court appearance on February 14.
In mitigation, the court heard that the letter was sent immediately after the defendant was discharged from hospital having suffered a haemorrhage. Turner had also been caring for his elderly mother at the time of the offence.
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The court heard that Turner was “overcome by upset and disappointment” when he was interviewed by police, and showed remorse.
He was sentenced to four weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.
He must also pay prosecution costs of £85.
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