MP Henry Tufnell harassed for 'being English' by man who took axe to pub

A suspended prison sentence has been handed to Michael Glover, 59, after he harassed Labour MP Henry Tufnell by targeting him over his English identity and claiming knowledge of his residence. On 10 March, Glover left a note on the door of Tufnell’s office in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, and the following day was seen carrying an axe into a local pub.

The letter, signed by Glover, contained a disturbing message indicating he had “taken a look around” the MP’s family home and had “left some presents.” Tufnell expressed feeling “uneasy” about the threat, especially as Glover referenced knowing where he lived with his wife and newborn child. This caused the MP to reconsider the security measures in place to protect his family.

During the court hearing at Swansea Crown Court, details emerged explaining that Glover is a wheelchair user with “complex mental health difficulties.” It was said that his actions stemmed from frustration over delays in obtaining a blue badge. CCTV footage showed him taping the letter to Tufnell’s office door before making gestures at the camera and leaving. The day after, he carried an axe in a plastic bag to a pub and even brandished it in front of the public, which led to his arrest.

Representing Glover, barrister Joseph Hocquard highlighted the challenges his client faced during four months in custody for breaching a probation order, linking this strain to his mental health and disability. Judge Mark Powell KC, presiding over the case via video link due to a technical fault with the courthouse lift, noted that MPs must be able to conduct their duties without threats or harassment, regardless of their background. While acknowledging Glover did not intend harm, the judge described the axe incident as “extremely frightening” for bystanders. Glover received a six-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months, along with a five-year restraining order and a £154 victim surcharge

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