Man jailed over threats to police commissioner

BBC Alison Hernandez, seen wearing a white top as she looks into the camera. She is standing outdoors in front of a building. BBC
Staff at Alison Hernandez's office said they feared for their safety after receiving the threats, the court heard

A man who threatened Devon and Cornwall's police and crime commissioner has been jailed.

Paul Hughes, 55, of Notter, Cornwall, emailed Alison Hernandez's office stating he would "burn her alive in her office", Truro Crown Court heard.

Staff at her office feared for her safety as Hughes had demonstrated a hatred of police and government, the court heard.

Hughes, who admitted a communication charge and breaching a restraining order in connection with a Plymouth school, was jailed for 18 months.

The court heard Hughes had sent 300 emails between March and July 2024 which became increasingly abusive and threatening.

As well as contacting Hernandez, he also sent emails to the NHS, his local MP and other organisations which said Covid was mismanaged and vaccines were doing more harm than good.

Judge Simon Carr said people were entitled to express their views in a firm and robust manner but sending aggressive and threatening emails to people in the public eye was not a right.

He also imposed a five-year restraining order banning him from contacting Hernandez.

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