A man whose campaign of threatening and grossly offensive emails targeted the Prime Minister and senior barristers has been handed a suspended prison sentence, in a case that has thrown a spotlight on the threats facing public figures in the wake of an MP’s murder.
Mark Tew, 63, was described by a judge as a “prolific emailer” who bombarded politicians and legal professionals with abusive messages over an eight-month period in 2021. His sentencing at Southwark Crown Court came after he was found guilty of seven counts of sending an electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety.
A Pattern of Threats After a National Tragedy
The court heard that the first of the criminal emails was sent just days after the fatal stabbing of Conservative MP Sir David Amess in his constituency in October 2021. Mr Justice Murray noted that “public anxiety around the safety of politicians was therefore particularly high,” making Tew’s actions more serious.
Prosecutor Sahil Sinha argued that while the MPs themselves did not see the messages—they were intercepted by staff—the harm was significant. He said such conduct could “discourage others from seeking public office which has an impact on our democracy,” harming both the employees who read the messages and society at large.
The Content of the Emails
Police who seized Tew’s phone discovered a series of vitriolic messages. In one sent to Sir Keir Starmer on 21 March 2021, when he was Leader of the Opposition, Tew wrote: “You should be beaten up Starmer, stabbed to death, shot to dead. You gutless yellow bastard Starmer. Tell the truth you miserable uneducated tosser.”
He also targeted then-Chancellor Rishi Sunak and former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace. Tew was cleared of one count relating to former Home Secretary Priti Patel, to whom he had sent a message in January 2021.
After his initial arrest, Tew began using a new email address to continue his campaign, ultimately targeting several barristers. On 23 October 2021, he sent an email stating that barristers Mr Trimmer and Guy Bowden would be beheaded. Another email to Sir Keir Starmer in November referenced James Lewis KC, the barrister who represented the UK government in its attempt to extradite Julian Assange to the United States.
The Man Behind the Messages
In defence, barrister Stella Harris said Tew accepted full responsibility for delaying proceedings—he admitted six counts of failure to surrender to court—and cited his poor physical and mental health. The court heard Tew suffers from anxiety and a persecutory type of personality disorder, which may have contributed to his offences.
Ms Harris added that at the time of the offending, Tew “was drinking too much. Since then he has cut back.” The judge also accepted that a diagnosis of autistic traits may have meant Tew did not fully understand the impact his messages would have.
Mr Justice Murray distinguished between Tew’s general conduct as a frequently rude and discourteous correspondent and the criminal emails, which contained “either a grossly offensive message or indeed threats or both.”
Sentencing and a Wider Warning
Tew was sentenced to 17 months in prison, suspended for two years, and given a four-month curfew at his home, monitored by an electronic tag. A restraining order forbids him from contacting the Prime Minister, three barristers, another MP, and a Lord.
A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson said: “Elected officials must be able to fulfil their democratic roles without the fear of harassment or violence hanging over them. That’s why the CPS takes these types of cases incredibly seriously and will always seek to prosecute offenders like Tew who threaten politicians.”
The case underscores ongoing concerns about the safety of public officials, a debate intensified by the murder of Sir David Amess, which prompted a review of MPs’ security.
Editor’s Note: Individuals with the surname Tew have appeared in unrelated legal proceedings. A Michael Tew was recently sentenced in the United States for a multi-million dollar wire fraud scheme unrelated to this case. A Matthew Tew has also appeared in UK courts for separate matters. No connection between these individuals and Mark Tew has been established.
