Man sentenced to prison for sending antisemitic messages to MP

A 61-year-old man has been sentenced to eight weeks in prison after sending antisemitic messages to a Labour MP while intoxicated. Kevin Smith directed voice messages and around 300 text messages to Alex Sobel, the MP for Leeds Central and Headingley, between 6 and 15 March of last year.

The Leeds Magistrates' Court heard that the majority of these communications were offensive, with several containing explicitly antisemitic threats, including phrases such as "kill the Jews". Smith, who resides within Sobels constituency, admitted to sending a malicious communication at an earlier hearing.

During his arrest, Smith told police he was exercising his freedom of speech. District Judge David Kitson emphasized in court: While we all enjoy freedom of speech in this country, it is a qualified right. Targeting individuals because of their religion is simply not acceptable.

The judge further highlighted that harassing a member of parliament undermines democratic institutions. He referenced the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016, noting that such attacks have tragically occurred in the area. The court acknowledged that Smiths messages caused Sobel significant concern, particularly regarding his familys safety.

A pre-sentence report indicated that Smith showed little remorse, stating he didn't care about the impact on Mr Sobel as he doesn't know him and he dislikes MPs in general. His defense attorney explained that Smith, who closely follows politics and the Gaza conflict, lives a largely isolated life and had no guidance on the inappropriateness of his messages. The lawyer noted Smith had not engaged in similar behavior in the past 21 months and had gained a better understanding of the distinction between being Israeli and Jewish.

Originally sentenced to 10 weeks, the judge reduced the term to eight weeks due to health considerations. Smith is also subject to a restraining order prohibiting contact with Sobel except for genuine constituency matters and restricting him from approaching Sobels office.

After the sentencing, Sobel expressed hope that Smith could make positive changes in his life. Claire MacDonald of the Crown Prosecution Service stated that freedom of expression does not justify sending threatening and offensive messages, and that criminal acts against MPs threaten the democratic process. Dave Rich from the Community Security Trust praised the conviction, emphasizing that racist abuse targeting politicians is unacceptable and undermines democracy.

Author: Caleb Jennings