Man who threatened to kill MP dies in prison

Benjamin Clarke died in HMP Holme House on 12 July, the prison ombudsman said

A man who threatened to kill an MP has died in prison.

Benjamin Clarke, 31, was jailed for one and a half years in May after bombarding Bishop Auckland MP Sam Rushworth with abuse online, before threatening to burn the Labour politician's house down while he was inside.

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman said Clarke died on 12 July at HMP Holme House in Stockton, and confirmed it was investigating.

A spokesperson said its final report would be published after the inquest into Clarke's death.

Clarke, who was from Bishop Auckland, was jailed after pleading guilty to making threats to kill and sending offensive communications.

He first contacted Rushworth, who had been elected in the 2024 general election, on Facebook in the aftermath of the riots following the murder of three girls in Southport.

Sam Rushworth MP said he had written to the prisons minister

Rushworth said he had written to the prisons minister, who had assured him Clarke's death would be looked into.

"For now, the only thing I can really say is that this is extremely sad news and my thoughts and condolences are with Benjamin's family and friends," the MP said.