“No family should ever have to live in fear simply because a loved one has chosen to serve their community.”

A man who admitted harassing Blackpool MP Chris Webb has been sentenced in court.

Ahmet Hilal, of Red Bank Road, Bispham admitted a single charge of harassment to Chris Webb, the Labour MP for Blackpool South, between June 6 and July 14, earlier this year.

The 41-year-old, who appeared at Preston Magistrates’ Court for sentencing yesterday and followed proceedings via a Turkish interpreter, was handed a 12 week prison sentence suspended for 12 months.

Reacting to the sentencing, Mr Webb said “no family should ever have to live in fear simply because a loved one has chosen to serve their community”.

Hilal was also handed a 12 month probation supervision requirement and told he must undergo a 12 month alcohol treatment plan as part of his punishment.

Blackpool South MP Chris Webb with his wife and son after winning the Blackpool South parliamentary seat with the third biggest swing from the Conservatives to Labour at a by-election since the Second World War.

placeholder image — Blackpool South MP Chris Webb with his wife and son after winning the Blackpool South parliamentary seat with the third biggest swing from the Conservatives to Labour at a by-election since the Second World War.

Reflecting on the impact of th harassment, Mr Webb said: “This has been an incredibly distressing ordeal for me, my wife and our family.

“We have endured a sustained barrage of horrific threats, including threats of physical assault, sexual assault and rape. These were not simply unpleasant comments or political disagreements. They were serious threats that have caused genuine fear and anxiety for those closest to me.

“As an MP, I accept that public scrutiny and criticism come with the job. But I am also a husband and a father, and no family should ever have to live in fear simply because a loved one has chosen to serve their community.

“I want to thank Lancashire Police for their professionalism and support, and my incredible staff for standing by me throughout this ordeal while continuing to work tirelessly for the people of Blackpool South.

“I am also grateful to my parliamentary colleagues, particularly my fellow Blackpool MP and friend Lorraine Beavers, for her unwavering support.

“Most importantly, I want to thank my wife and family for their strength and love. They should never have had to endure any of this.

“Threats of violence, sexual assault and intimidation can never be justified, whatever someone’s political views or disagreements.

“My focus now is on moving forward with my family and continuing to represent the people of my hometown. I will never allow threats or intimidation to stop me standing up for Blackpool or being accessible to the people I was elected to serve.”