A North East MP who was subjected to a series of homophobic and abusive messages from a constituent has spoken out following the sentencing.
Jarrow MP Kate Osborne was left feeling "personally threatened" by messages posted on Twitter between August 27 and December, last year, which branded her "vile" and "filthy".
Susan Dematas, of Falmouth Drive, Jarrow, was found guilty of the offence following a trial at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court in August. On Friday, the 53-year-old returned to court to be sentenced for harassment without violence.
Read more: Jarrow woman harassed MP Kate Osborne with homophobic and abusive tweets following event 'ambush'
Dematas, who had no previous convictions, was sentenced to an 18 month community order and ordered to complete 15 rehabilitation days. She must pay £80 compensation to Ms Osborne and a £95 surcharge. An 18 month restraining order was also imposed.
Today Ms Osborne spoke about the sentencing and revealed that she will be donating the compensation she receives to a local charity which offers support to LGBTQ+ people in the community. She added that "homophobic abuse has no place in our community or society" and highlighted the importance of reporting such incidents.
Ms Osborne said: "Last month, I attended South Tyneside Magistrates Court to give evidence as a victim of harassment from a local constituent and welcomed the findings of the court. The defendant was found guilty of harassment without violence, with the judge remarking on the homophobic content.
"This morning, the defendant was sentenced to 18 months Community Order, £80 compensation and an 18 month restraining order to not contact me and my office directly or indirectly as well as not refer to me either directly or indirectly on social media. I will be donating the compensation that will be to a charity within the Jarrow constituency who among other services offer support to LGBTQ+ people in the community.
"Homophobic abuse has no place in our community or society as a whole. It is important that where we can, we stand up to this and report abuse and hate crimes to the relevant authorities.
"I will continue to use my platform as a MP to campaign for a better, more tolerant society, not just in the Jarrow constituency, but nationally too. I would like to thank again my family and my team for the support they have given me throughout this stressful time as well as the police and the CPS for their help in pursuing this case."
Read next:
- Durham paedophile jailed after being caught with software to wipe internet history from computer
- Teenager created 'domino effect' after ploughing friend's car into parked vehicles in Sunderland
- Burglar who targeted 'vulnerable' person's County Durham home and stole cash and tobacco avoids jail
-
Cullercoats man left woman terrified after assaulting baby during drug induced psychotic episode
-
Married West Rainton paedophile shared horrific child abuse images online and spoke about local kids
