A 65-year-old former businessman, Jagjivan Ram, has received a suspended six-month jail sentence after admitting to sending racially offensive and threatening emails to Reform UK MP Suella Braverman in 2024. The messages, sent during the summer of that year, included racist slurs and a reference to "lynching," along with sexual content, which Braverman described as leaving her "very upset and disturbed."

Ram appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded guilty to two charges under the Malicious Communications Act. District Judge David Wain noted that the case had been delayed for approximately 18 months before coming to court. The judge stated that Ram would likely have received an immediate custodial sentence if not for this significant delay. Ram’s poor health was also taken into account during sentencing, with a medical report citing depressive symptoms and possible side effects from antibiotics as factors contributing to his behavior.

The court heard Ram could not recall sending the offensive messages. Before sentencing, District Judge Wain emphasized that MPs such as Braverman are private individuals affected by such abuse, stating, “MPs are real people with real families. They are not just people on television.” Braverman, who serves as Reform UK’s education, skills and equalities spokeswoman, chose not to make a specific victim personal statement during proceedings.

Ram, who is currently unemployed and resides in Balsall Common, West Midlands, was sentenced to six months in jail, suspended for 12 months. Additional penalties include a 12-week electronically monitored curfew and a five-year restraining order barring him from any direct or indirect contact with Braverman.