Belfast man in court over 'aggressive, racist and homophobic emails' sent to 10 Downing Street

Appearing in the dock of Belfast Magistrates Court, 40-year-old Christopher Anthony Miskimmon confirmed his identity, and that he understood the four charges against him, alleged to have been committed between 28 and 30 July this year.

Miskimmon, with an address on the New Lodge Road in the north of the city, was charged with harassment, making a threat to kill, improper use of a telecommunications network and possessing Class B cannabis.

While a police officer gave evidence that she believed she could connect Miskimmon to each of the charges, defence counsel Garrett O’Kane submitted the evidence did not meet the test for the first two counts.

The court heard that according to the police case, Miskimmon sent 49 “paranoid and persecutory” emails to No. 10 Downing Street, addressed to Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

The emails, the court heard, allegedly made threats against new PM Mr Burnham and were “aggressive, racist and homophobic in tone.”

The emails had been signed off by Christopher Anthony Miskimmon and had included the defendant’s home address.

He was arrested by the PSNI after their colleagues in London alerted them and during police interviews, Miskimmon claimed that “plenty of people” had access to his email account.

The court heard that officers found a small amount of cannabis during a search of Miskimmon’s home.

Mr O’Kane submitted that while the drugs offence, and the count alleging improper use of a telecommunications network, were properly before the court, there was no evidence to establish the other charges.

He argued that as the evidence currently stands, no complainant or intended target was named in the offences of harassment and making a threat to kill.

Mr O’Kane further highlighted that “there is no statement” from Mr Burnham, Mr Starmer or anyone at No. 10 which would give a foundation to establish a connection.

District Judge Natasha Fitzsimmons ruled that “I am not connecting him to the harassment and making a threat to kill.”

She added however, that once statements have been recorded or further evidence lodged with the court, it would be open to the prosecution to lay additional charges.

Turning to the issue of bail, the constable outlined how Miskimmon has previous convictions for similar offending, including “sending more than 3,000 emails to Sinn Fein, local politicians and political parties, the Prime Minister of the UK and the UK government.”

Those emails, the court heard, were similarly “homophobic and racist in tone.”

Mr O’Kane submitted that as Miskimmon is re-engaging with his medication regime, that bail could be granted subject to conditions, such as barring him from accessing the internet.

Judge Fitzsimmons said although the barrister “has made every conceivable point that he could,” she was not satisfied that conditions would manage the risk of re-offending.

Accordingly, Miskimmon was remanded in custody and the case adjourned to 17 August.