Liam Shaw, a 21-year-old from Birkenhead, Merseyside, was sentenced at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court for sending two racist and threatening emails to then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on June 15, 2024. The emails, described by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) as “racist, offensive, and suggesting Mr. Sunak should be killed by the public,” were sent to Sunak’s public parliamentary email address and detected by his personal assistant, who promptly reported them to the police. Shaw, traced to a hostel in Birkenhead via his phone and email, pleaded guilty to two counts of sending offensive, indecent, obscene, or menacing messages via a public communication network.

The court imposed a 14-week imprisonment sentence, suspended for 12 months, alongside strict conditions including 20 days of rehabilitation activities and a six-month drug rehabilitation course. District Judge Timothy Boswell emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating, “Direct access to your constituency MP is a cornerstone of democracy.

Misusing that access is detrimental to the democratic process.” Additionally, a two-year restraining order prohibits Shaw from contacting Sunak or his constituency office. Shaw, arrested on September 3, 2024, claimed he was “probably drunk” and did not recall sending the emails, remaining silent during police interviews.

Senior Crown Prosecutor Matthew Dixon condemned the act, noting, “Racist abuse has no place, anywhere, in this day and age.” He underscored the CPS’s commitment to protecting freedom of expression while prosecuting comments that cross into criminality, particularly those targeting public officials. The case highlights the judiciary’s resolve to safeguard elected representatives, ensuring they can perform their duties without fear.

As Sunak, the MP for Richmond and Northallerton, continues his parliamentary work, this ruling sends a strong message against hate-driven threats in a diverse society.

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