A MAN has been given a suspended prison sentence after being found guilty of making threats against an East Lancashire MP and his staff.

Pendle Tory Andrew Stephenson, welcomed the conviction.

Mark Lucas made online death threats and phone calls against him and his staff members in July 2017.

Following a one-day hearing at Newcastle Under Lyme Magistrates Court, he was found guilty of two cases of making malicious communications.

Lucas was sentenced to 18 weeks custody suspended for 12 months, a supervision order and ordered to pay costs of £775 and a £115 victim surcharge.

Mr Stephenson said: “I’m pleased justice has been served against Lucas who made online death threats against local party volunteers as well as numerous calls to my office threatening to kill me and my staff.

“I hope this sends a clear message to anyone who makes such comments either in person or online that it is unacceptable and against the law.

“My staff shouldn’t have to be on the receiving end of abuse and should never receive death threats.”

Mr Lucas also pleaded guilty to making similar calls to the office of the Staffordshire Police and Crime Commissioner.