Luton woman sentenced over threats to kill Angela Rayner

A woman from Luton has been handed an 18-month community order after sending threatening and abusive messages to former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. Elizabeth Harker, aged 63, admitted to leaving voicemails for Rayner containing threats to kill both the politician and her son, as well as sending offensive messages to another woman in her hometown.

During the court proceedings at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Judge Briony Clarke emphasized the severe impact of Harker’s conduct on the two victims. Harker left four voicemails on Rayner’s hotline, all described as abusive. The content of these messages included sexually derogatory insults and ominous threats, such as warning Rayner that “you don’t know what is coming to you” alongside explicit threats to harm her and her child. The other victim reported feeling anxious after receiving a handwritten note from Harker containing slurs and hostile remarks like “paedo” and “drop dead scrounge.”

In her defense, presented earlier, Harker’s representative, Lewis Green, highlighted her long-standing struggle with alcohol misuse spanning three decades. He noted: “She tells me she is still drinking, though not to the extent previously.” The court was informed that Harker had shown remorse and sought assistance from both Alcoholics Anonymous and her general practitioner.

The judge acknowledged the serious nature of the offenses and remarked on Harker’s unusual behavior for someone of her age and without previous convictions. Judge Clarke stated, “These are serious offences. I can see that you understand that. It is quite remarkable that at 63 years of age and with no previous convictions, you have behaved in this way and find yourself before the court.” As part of her sentence, Harker must complete 200 hours of unpaid work, attend a rehabilitation programme involving 20 days of activity, and follow a 12-month alcohol treatment plan. Additionally, she has been issued with five-year restraining orders preventing any contact with both victims

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