Man Receives Jail Sentence After Disturbing Incident Involving U.K. Politician

A man who threatened to kill British politician Ed Miliband has been sentenced to three years in jail.

At a Glance

Michael Donaldson, 56, was jailed for three years for threatening to kill former Labour leader Ed Miliband.
The incident occurred during a constituency visit in Bentley, Doncaster, in March.
Mr. Miliband and his staff took refuge inside a building after Donaldson threatened them with a knife.
Judge Jeremy Richardson KC emphasized the seriousness of the threat, calling it an attack on democracy.
Donaldson admitted to making threats to kill and had consumed 1.5 liters of vodka before the encounter.

The Incident

Michael Donaldson’s threat to kill Ed Miliband, a prominent British politician and former leader of the Labour Party, occurred during a constituency visit in Bentley, Doncaster. The incident, which took place in March, resulted in immediate actions to ensure the safety of Miliband and his staff. Donaldson approached them, waving his arms and walking in front of traffic while intoxicated, causing significant alarm.

As Donaldson neared, he threatened to slit Miliband’s throat multiple times. In response, Miliband and his team barricaded themselves inside a nearby building for protection. The intensity of Donaldson’s threats, combined with his intoxicated state, highlighted the genuine danger he posed. Miliband and his staff felt “instantly vulnerable” as Donaldson reached into his pocket, indicating he might carry out the threat.

A Doncaster man could be facing a prison sentence, after he admitted threatening to kill former Labour leader, and Doncaster North MP, Ed Miliband
https://t.co/1L6N0dYZ3V

— The Star, Sheffield (@SheffieldStar) May 31, 2024

Legal Proceedings

During the following legal proceedings, the court learned that Donaldson had consumed 1.5 liters of vodka before the encounter. CCTV footage corroborated Miliband’s account, showing Donaldson gesticulating and crossing the road toward him. Despite Donaldson’s defense claiming it was a joke, his history of alcohol abuse and previous convictions for threatening behavior painted a different picture.

After telling police that he had drunk about a liter of vodka, Donaldson spat, “Oh you’re Ed Miliband, I am going to slit your throat, I am going to slit your f****** throat, I am going to do it now.”

The judge, Jeremy Richardson KC, did not take the situation lightly. He emphasized the severity of threatening to kill a parliament member, especially in light of the recent murders of Jo Cox and Sir David Amess. Shaun Sigamoney of the CPS echoed this sentiment, condemning Donaldson’s actions as utterly unacceptable and emphasizing the importance of protecting MPs.

Concluding Remarks

Donaldson pleaded guilty to making threats to kill and was consequently sentenced to three years in jail. Additionally, he received an eight-year restraining order against Miliband, with strict conditions for any necessary appointments. The court’s decision underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring the safety of public officials and maintaining the integrity of the democratic process.

Judge Jeremy Richardson KC told Donaldson during sentencing, “To make a threat to kill an MP is not only a serious matter for that individual, it is a form of attack on parliamentary democracy in this country.”

The decisive legal response serves as a potent reminder that threats against public officials will not be tolerated and will be met with significant punitive measures. This case highlights the seriousness of such threats and the importance of protecting those who uphold democratic values.