A Hereford man who sent racist and grossly offensive emails to 22 MPs has been sentenced.

Benjamin Price, 32, of Belmont Road, pleaded guilty to 26 counts of racially aggravated malicious communications at Hereford Magistrates’ Court on 25 May.

Yesterday (Tuesday 20 June), he was given an 18 month community order to include 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a £334 fine at Hereford Magistrates’ Court.

The sentence follows an investigation by West Mercia Police.

Herefordshire local policing commander, Superintendent Helen Wain, said: “Members of Parliament are public figures and subject to public scrutiny but that does not mean they should be subject to or put up with vile racist and grossly offensive abuse.

“Price’s behaviour was abhorrent and completely unacceptable; this type of behaviour will simply not be tolerated by West Mercia Police.

“The diligent investigation and interrogation of Price’s electronic devices by officers meant the evidence against him was so compelling he had no choice but to plead guilty to all of the offences.”