David Perry, 66, was fined £700 for sending a ‘grossly offensive email’ to Angela Rayner, the Labour deputy leader and MP for Ashton-under-Lyne. Ms Rayner, 43, had to challenge the initial decision not to prosecute him. The email contained rude and insulting remarks about Ms Rayner’s looks and political views. It also mentioned a Mail on Sunday article that claimed Ms Rayner had used her legs to divert Boris Johnson’s attention at PMQs.

Perry sent an email to Ms Rayner’s constituency mailbox with gross and offensive comments about her appearance and politics. He wrote: “Stop appearing on the news channels and go to a fish factory.” He also referred to her as an “ugly menopausal pig” with a “sad old m****” and a “typical career politician” who was “useless, unqualified, inexperienced.” Greater Manchester Police traced the email to Perry and arrested him in July 2022. He said the email address was his but denied sending the email. He said he was hacked but had no evidence to show it.

Perry, from Weybridge, Surrey, admitted at Westminster Magistrates’ Court that he sent a grossly offensive email to the MP. He was fined £700 and told to pay £300 in costs at Staines Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, December 28.

Ms Rayner said in a victim personal statement that she was ‘horrified by the level of disgusting spite’ in the email. She also wondered how anyone could justify sending such abusive words to a woman. Rosemary Ainslie, the head of the CPS Special Crime Division, called Perry’s email ‘totally unacceptable.’ She said: “Perry’s email was very offensive and rude to Ms Rayner, and his remarks have no place in a civilised society. Ms Rayner and her constituency staff should not have to endure such hatred – it is totally unacceptable.” She also said: “The public should be aware that they cannot get away with sending such grossly offensive communications. Online communications can be tracked and people breaking the law will be punished.”