MP who got death threats from constituent reveals grim effect abuse had on his family

A Labour MP who faced a horrific series of death threats has spoken of the ordeal suffered by his young family. Dr Sam Rushworth, who represents Bishop Auckland, was left fearing for the lives of his five children.

His constituent Benjamin Clarke, 31, was jailed for one and a half years this month for making threats to kill Dr Rushworth. heard that Clarke told a social worker he would "smash his head off the pavement until he dies," and sent chilling messages to Dr Rushworth, 40.

One read: "I can't wait until your next public appearance, you'll be lucky to leave in one piece." Clarke said it was "just a matter of time" before he carried out an attack, echoing the horrific murders of MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess. Dr Rushworth said Clarke's campaign was a terrible time for his family, with two children at secondary school and two in primary education when he was elected last year.

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They had seen a newspaper board outside a newsagents which quoted Clarke's threats to lock Dr Rushworth in his house, set it on fire and listen to his screams. Comments underneath online articles about it were what was "really shocking", Dr Rushworth said. Many called Clarke "a hero".

"My teenage daughter rang me in tears as school friends had shared it with her," Dr Rushworth said. He added: "I used to work in atrocity prevention, stopping genocides, but it always starts with a human being ceasing to be human in the eyes of other people.

"And I do think that's what's happening with MPs." Fellow MP Chi Onwurah and former Tory MP Dehenna Davison have faced similar abuse. Ms Davison had started receiving abuse before she was even elected.

The police investigated a number of people for harassment, death and rape threats.

Chi Onwurah, who represents Newcastle Central for Labour, had people following and harassing her in the streets.

She expressed concerns about the lies spread on social media.

Ms Davison also warned that young people have told her that they are put off going into politics because of the abuse.

The level of abuse suffered cannot be justified and goes way beyond politics, MPs said.

"There are legitimate ways that you can criticise MPs, but behaviour like that is absolutely not one of them," Ms Davison told the .

She stood down before the last election to pursue interests outside of politics.