Man is jailed for Wigan borough MP staff hate crime

And Simon Singh’s term behind bars was increased because it was classified as a disability hate crime.

Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court heard that the 44-year-old called and emailed Emily Siddall - who is a member of Leigh MP James Grundy’s support staff - and was aggressive and abusive to her about a complaint he had submitted to the office.

In one call he called her a “spazzy b***h” and also made offensive remarks about her to other parties.

Singh, of Wigan Road, Atherton, pleaded guilty to sending an electronic communication that was indecent or grossly offensive nature for the purpose of causing distress or anxiety.

Ms Siddall, whom Singh never met face to face and was on her first day of work at the MP’s office when the offending call was made, is not, for the record, disabled.

But that makes no difference in law when such offensive language is used.

The victim told police that plenty else said to her that she found even more offensive and that Singh also threatened to come to the office and attack her.

Mr Grundy said: “First of all, I would like to thank the police and the justice system for dealing with this matter swiftly and effectively.

“I will not tolerate threats of violence or horrendous verbal abuse against my staff, and anyone thinking of doing the same should know that they should expect to be pursued and punished to the maximum extent that the law allows.

“No public sector worker should face harassment, abuse, or threats of violence whilst they are trying to help the public as part of their day to day role and I am pleased that my member of staff has received justice in this case.”

The court heard that Singh had wanted the MP to take up a matter with him and this was followed by an escalating sequence of angry and offensive emails. It was when he was told that the matter was not something they could handle that he made the call.

Sending him to prison for 24 weeks, the chair of the justices told him: “The offence was committed against a person assisting a public servant.

“She is entitled to go about her job without being abused or threatened.

“Your actions caused the victim substantial distress.”

A year-long restraining order was imposed preventing Singh from approaching Ms Siddall and contacting the constituency office in Lord Street.

Singh was also ordered to pay his victim £100 in compensation.