Exclusive:Birmingham man who sent 'threatening and racist' emails to MP Suella Braverman is spared jail
His lawyer told the court he was “thoroughly ashamed” of his actions.
A former businessman who sent racist and threatening emails to an MP has been spared prison.
Jagjivan Ram, 65, pleaded guilty in February to two charges under the Malicious Communications Act, having sent two messages to Fareham and Waterlooville MP, Suella Braverman.
The former home secretary, who joined Reform UK from the Conservative Party in January, received emails that referred to lynching, included several racially offensive slurs, and sexual references, described as leaving her “very upset and disturbed”.
Ram, from Waste Lane in Solihull, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court today (Tuesday, August 4) for sentencing. Ms Braverman exercised her right not to provide a victim impact statement.
District Juge Wain said: “You have pleaded guilty to these offences at the first opportunity.
“In June 2024 you sent two emails of a threatening and racist nature to the Right Honourable Suella Braverman KC. You have heard the effect that had on her.
“MPs are real people with real families. They are not just people on television. In this case you were going through a difficult time but that does not in any way justify the behaviour shown.
“If this matter had appeared in front of me in 2024 you would likely have immediately gone to jail. However, for reasons which are unclear, it did not arrive in this court until 2026.”
In mitigation, the court was told that Ram - who does not remember writing the emails - was in a poor state of health, and a report assessed that depressive symptoms and the side-effects of antibiotics may have played a role in his offending.
The defendant is now unemployed and facing financial difficulties, having also made a claim for benefits after recent surgery.
Representing Ram, defence lawyer Ed Ball said: “He doesn’t really remember what has occurred. He is thoroughly ashamed.”
Mr Ball told the court in a previous hearing that Ram had created thousands of jobs in the UK and overseas.
Ram was sentenced to six months in custody, which was suspended for one year. He was also made the subject of a 12-week electronically-monitored curfew, ordered to complete 30 rehabilitation activity days, and handed a five-year restraining order banning him from making direct or indirect contact with Ms Braverman.
In a statement to The News, Ms Braverman said: “Sadly this case reflects the reality of what many politicians endure simply for speaking their minds. Racist and threatening language is never acceptable and I am glad this man has faced justice.
“It is regrettable that, due to court delays, he was not sentenced to custody, but I hope this serves as a reminder that we should all be able to disagree agreeably. I would like to thank the police for their assistance in this matter.”