A man has been jailed for making death threats against British politician Ed Miliband.
At a Glance
- Michael Donaldson, 56, jailed for three years for threatening to kill Ed Miliband.
- The incident took place during a constituency visit in Bentley, Doncaster, in March.
- Mr Miliband and his staff had to barricade themselves inside a building.
- Judge Jeremy Richardson KC described the crime as an attack on democracy.
- Donaldson admitted making threats to kill and claimed his comments were a joke.
Severe Threats Against Ed Miliband
A Sheffield Crown Court sentenced Michael Donaldson, 56, to three years in prison for threatening to kill former Labour leader Ed Miliband. Donaldson, who made the threats during a constituency visit in Bentley, Doncaster, admitted to making threats to kill. Notably, Mr Miliband and his staff barricaded themselves inside a building to escape the threat.
CCTV footage presented in court showed Donaldson gesticulating wildly and crossing the road toward Miliband and his staff. The footage captured Donaldson saying, “I’m going to do it now,” while reaching into his pocket, making Mr Miliband feel instantly vulnerable. This incident marked the first time Mr. Miliband had faced such a severe threat.
Court’s Stance and Sentencing
At Sheffield Crown Court, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC emphasized the significance of the crime, describing it as an attack on democracy. “To make a threat to kill an MP is not only a serious matter for that individual, it is a form of attack on parliamentary democracy in this country,” he noted. Despite Donaldson’s claim that his comments were a joke, the court took the threat seriously, especially given the recent history of attacks on MPs.
“To make a threat to kill an MP is not only a serious matter for that individual, it is a form of attack on parliamentary democracy in this country.” – Judge Jeremy Richardson KC
In addition to the prison sentence, Donaldson received an eight-year restraining order against Mr Miliband. Shaun Sigamoney of the CPS condemned Donaldson’s actions, stating that they have no place in a civilised society. He emphasized the necessity of safeguarding MPs, noting, “Members of Parliament play a vital role in our democracy – those who engage in this criminal behaviour will face the consequences of their actions.”
A Doncaster man could be facing a prison sentence, after he admitted threatening to kill former Labour leader, and Doncaster North MP, Ed Miliband
https://t.co/1L6N0dYZ3V— The Star, Sheffield (@SheffieldStar) May 31, 2024
Details of the Incident
Donaldson approached Miliband and his staff while intoxicated, having consumed about 1.5 liters of vodka. Witnesses reported Donaldson walking in front of traffic, waving his arms, and threatening Miliband multiple times. During a police interview on the same day, Donaldson insisted his comments were a joke.
Donaldson’s history of alcohol-related crimes and threatening behavior further highlighted the gravity of the situation. His record includes convictions for threatening behavior, alcohol abuse, and racially aggravated harassment. The court’s decision to incarcerate Donaldson and impose a restraining order underscores the seriousness of such threats, particularly in a time when recent attacks on MPs have raised significant concerns about their safety.
Sources
1. Man jailed for threatening to kill Ed Miliband MP.
2. Painter who threatened to slit Ed Miliband’s throat jailed for three years
