A recent court case involving Pembrokeshire’s Labour MP Henry Tufnell has highlighted the need for safety and respect for our public representatives.

Fifty-nine-year-old Michael Glover, received a suspended jail sentence after harassing the MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, leaving a threatening note and brandishing an axe in public.

The alarming incident serves as a stark reminder that our elected officials deserve to work without fear of harassment or threats.

Swansea Crown Court heard how the defendant left the note at the MP’s office door in Haverfordwest, on March 10.

In the letter, which Glover signed, contained the words: “F*** you English c*** and Welsh Labour.”

He also wrote that he had taken "a look around" Tufnell's family home and had "left some presents".

The Court heard that Glover, a wheelchair user, who has "complex mental health difficulties", was "frustrated" because of a delay in his application for a Blue Badge.

The Court heard that CCTV captured the defendant taping a bag, which contained the letter, to the front door of Tufnell's office. He then made "gestures" to the camera before driving away.

The following day, Glover carried an axe in a plastic bag to a local pub, and picked it up in front of a member of the public.

Police officers arrested him that day. Glover later pleaded guilty to both charges at Haverfordwest Magistrates' Court.

At the hearing, Regan Walters, prosecuting, read a victim personal statement by Tufnell, who stated: "Knowing that Glover knows where I live with my wife and young child has made me rethink things, such as the security of my address.”

He said he had to be mindful that his "panic alarms and CCTV cameras are working" and that, when he worked away, he felt "on edge, wondering if [his family] are safe".

Joseph Hocquard, representing Glover, said his client had been in custody for the past four months for breaching a probation order, which he said had been "incredibly challenging" because of his mental health and disabilities.

Glover appeared via video link with his barrister in the cells at Swansea Crown Court because of a "technical issue" with the lift in the building.

Judge Mark Powell KC told him "members of parliament are there to advocate for their constituents".

He said: "They are entitled to go about their business, without being subject to the sort of threats and harassment that you carried out…regardless of if they are English or not English."

He also said that brandishing an axe in public would have been "extremely frightening for those around" but that he "didn't intend to harm anyone".

The judge told the court that it was "frustration" and a "deterioration in his mental state" that led to Glover committing the offence.

He said he was satisfied the defendant had shown remorse for both offences.

Judge Powell haned Glover a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, as well as a five-year restraining order. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154.