Recap from day two at court as Len Lowther stands accused of harassing MP Julie Elliott on Twitter
and live on Freeview channel 276
Leonard Lowther denies that between February 2018 and October 2018 he harassed Sunderland Central MP Julie Elliott by repeatedly publishing a menacing message online and contacting her via Twitter.
The charge continues to say Lowther, of Pier Cottages in Marine Walk, Roker, repeatedly claimed Ms Elliott was guilty of perverting the course of justice and accused her of conspiring with others to “use Northumbria Police as a personal police force” in online posts and flyers.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe case is being heard at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court before District Judge Kathryn Meek and is scheduled to conclude later on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, prosecutor Rachel Masters explained the inquiry was set against a background of issues Lowther had with Sunderland City Council redevelopments, particularly close to his home.
An independent investigation found no issues, besides Sunderland council’s communication with South Tyneside Council over the plans.
Lowther had raised the matter with Ms Elliott, who carried out her own probe, and found no problems with its conduct.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdTuesday’s witnesses included Detective Sergeant David Reeves, of Northumbria Police, who detailed the investigation into the 66-year-old.
The court heard the case is linked with a Twitter account belonging to Lowther, his own Facebook page and one called The Problem with Sunderland is Labour, which he was an administrator of.
It is also connected to two other cases, one which led to a conviction of a man who posted the phrase “Hang the old hag” and of another man involving an image of woman hanging.
Screenshots of this second purposed post were sent to police and Ms Elliott’s office, but the case was dropped when police failed to gather evidence independently, leading Lowther to claim it was “fake document” made by the MP and her team.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdShe said they had changed the way her office worked, caused concern for both her staff and family and left her unable to walk into the city centre on her own.
See below for updates on how Wednesday’s hearing unfolded. The case has now been adjourned to a date to be determined.