Jailed for nine weeks: Man admits menacing email to Rob Roberts MP

Ralph Jordan, 46, had sent it to Rob Roberts, the 43-year-old former Tory and now independent member for Delyn.

Rhian Jackson, prosecuting at Llandudno Court on Wednesday, said it happened on October 15 last year, the day that Sir David died in his Southend West constituency.

Jordan, now living temporarily in Bryn Hyfryd Park, Conwy, pleaded guilty to sending an electronic message of a menacing character.

It was similar to one he had sent the month before about the litter situation in Mold streets, said Mrs Jackson.

This stated: “The streets of Mold are a f***ing disgrace. Sort it out. I am the law. F*** with me and you’re dead. No offence.” There had also been an answerphone message.

On that occasion, with the agreement of the MP, a community resolution had been imposed by police and he was warned not to contact Mr Roberts again.

However on the day Sir David lost his life an email was received saying that Jordan had heard the tragic news. “Here’s hoping a similar incident doesn’t happen in Flint or Mold…So stay safe, Kind regards, Ralph,”  he had written.

The Delyn MP stated that in the climate after the death of a colleague he felt he and his staff needed protection. When quizzed by police Jordan insisted no harm was intended.

Rob Roberts MP

In an impact statement read to the court Mr Roberts said he had been prepared to accept a community resolution for the original incident because of the defendant’s mental health issue. But he considered a further message more “dark and concerning” and felt there could be a danger to his life. He had grown up in the Mold area but for the first time no longer felt safe.

Mrs Jackson revealed that Jordan had been sent to prison for 22 weeks in February for criminal damage, assault of an emergency worker and two common assaults.

Defending, Nia Dawson said Jordan was now back on stable medication and feeling much better. “He apologised for his behaviour,” she added.

He maintained there was no threat nor malice. He had time to reflect and there was no intention of contacting the MP again.

Sir David Amess

District Judge Gwyn Jones said there had to be a deterrent effect. He imposed a five-year restraining order banning Jordan from any contact with Mr Roberts, direct or indirect, and he must not enter his constituency office in Mold or any other building where the MP is present.

There had been a dark and sinister undertone and Mr Roberts had to change his work pattern because of “extremely worrying threats.”

He had been a target within hours of a fellow MP being killed on constituency business. The restraining order was “both necessary and proportionate,” declared the judge. 

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