Devon Man Jailed for Abusive Emails to Public Figures

Jack Bennett, a 39-year-old from Devon, has been sentenced to 28 weeks in prison for sending racist and abusive emails to safeguarding minister Jess Phillips, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, and Met Police Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist. Bennett's actions, described as 'utterly deplorable' and 'saturated in hate,' were influenced by right-wing propaganda during the Covid-19 pandemic. The emails were sent over nearly 12 months and caused significant distress, particularly to Ms. Phillips, who feared violence reminiscent of the murder of MP Jo Cox. Bennett targeted ethnic minorities, especially Muslims and immigrants, in his communications. Judge Stuart Smith remarked on Bennett's 'deep-rooted racism' and issued a five-year restraining order against him contacting the victims. The court recognized Bennett's social isolation and neurodivergence as contributing factors to his actions.