A man sent a "threatening" social media post and an "aggressive" email with "disturbing" images towards the House of Commons Speaker. 

Mark Innes, 56, initially emailed Chorley politician Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP to express his concern around the events in Gaza.

Innes, from Chorley, took issue with the reply from Sir Lindsay’s office and on December 21 responded with an "aggressive email with disturbing images" to the MP’s office.

On January 24, Innes posted a threat on social media directed towards Sir Lindsay.

He was arrested, and in an interview he admitted sending the "grossly offensive" email and posting the threatening message, but claimed he had no intention of harming Sir Lindsay and offered an apology, saying he was frustrated by what was going on in the world.

On June 7, Innes pleaded guilty to two offences under the Malicious Communications Act before Leeds Magistrates’ Court.

He was sentenced today, Monday, at Preston Magistrates' Court to six weeks in prison, suspended for two years.

As part of the sentence Innes must complete 25 rehabilitation days, pay a fine of £300, and abide by a three year restraining order.

Senior crown prosecutor for CPS North West, Joanna Crook, said: “Mark Innes (date of birth: 15/08/1967) made threats and sent a grossly offensive message to Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP.

“The staff member from Sir Lindsay’s office who opened the email and read the social media post was severely impacted by their distressing nature and told police that she had not slept since the incident.

“Members of Parliament play a vital role in our democracy and criminality cannot be allowed to impede or affect that in any way.

“The Crown Prosecution Service works with the police to protect MPs and the important work they do.”