An inventor sent a threatening message to a female Tory MP with an ‘anecdote’ about the Samurai sword slaying of a councillor 20 years ago, a court heard.
Ian Howgate, 56, allegedly sent an email to the Newbury Conservative MP Laura Farris which spoke of the killing of British politician Andrew Pennington.
Mr Howgate sent the email which ended: ‘Rather than putting them [your staff] in harm’s way for your sake they will throw you to the lions. Rest in peace Andrew Pennington’.
Ian Howgate, 56, pictured, allegedly sent an email to the Newbury Conservative MP Laura Farris which spoke of the killing of British politician Andrew Pennington
Mr Pennington, 39, died from stab wounds after trying to protect Lib Dem MP Nigel Jones in his constituency office in Cheltenham in January 2000.
Mr Howgate, of Leys Gardens, Newbury, Berkshire, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and denies one count of sending menacing messages.
He was granted bail on condition he does not contact Ms Farris or any member of her staff or enter the Newbury Conservative party constituency office.
Laura Farris, pictured, ‘felt threatened’ as the email, sent on March 30, ‘was ‘an anecdote’ about a similar situation where a constituent had killed an assistant within the office
Misba Majid, prosecuting, said that he initially got into contact with Ms Farris through her public office about an ‘issue regarding a third party’.
After being told it was not possible for him to represent the third party, who has a disability, Mr Howgate emailed Ms Farris directly to express he was not happy.
The court heard how Ms Farris ‘wasn’t able to immediately get back to that email’ and Mr Howgate sent emails informing of ‘his displeasure that he hadn’t had a response’.
Miss Majid said: ‘The Crown’s case is Ms Farris eventually responded, apologising for the delay and addressing Mr Howgate saying a third party would have to directly contact Ms Farris.
She said that Ms Farris ‘felt threatened’ as the email, sent on March 30, ‘was ‘an anecdote’ about a similar situation where a constituent had killed an assistant within the office.
Miss Majid said: ‘The exact email is: ‘I do think it’s wise Laura hears another anecdote. I feel compelled to pass it on.
‘After finishing a difficult day including coaching and hockey at the local club, Nigel Jones’ assistant Andrew took a phone call with a local man with mental health difficulties, I believe he had PTSD.
Andrew Pennington, 39, pictured, died from stab wounds after trying to protect Lib Dem MP Nigel Jones in his constituency office in Cheltenham in January 2000
‘He felt seriously let down by Nigel and ill-treated. Though I do not know if he had any substances, he entered the office with a Samurai sword and attacked him.
‘Andrew was killed in this act of heroism.
‘If you go around neglecting your constituents with mental health difficulties, you’re in trouble.
‘Rather than putting them [your staff] in harm’s way for your sake they will throw you to the lions. Rest in peace Andrew Pennington.’
She said Ms Farris ‘is in fear of a threat of violence, she’s intimidated and does feel threatened.’
In a police interview Mr Howgate said ‘he had only sent it to explain to Laura she needed to look closely at the people working for her’.
Mr Howgate appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and denies one count of sending menacing messages
Representing himself, Mr Howgate said: ‘I’ve been painted as a psychopathic stalker waiting behind the corner with a Samurai sword waiting to attack somebody.
‘I may have, perhaps I could have worded it better, but it’s taken completely out of context.
‘I’m not a threat to anybody and I don’t even own a Samurai sword. I have PTSD. Part of the issue is whether I am of the character who is threatening.’
The chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot said: ‘No the issue is not about you, it’s about her.
‘But if Mr Howgate can say he’s an idiot, but he’s not a threatening idiot, he should be allowed to do so. We’ve got the MP coming for the trial.’
He is back at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on December 8.