Man who made racist 999 calls threatening to shoot Sadiq Khan avoids prison sentence

Christopher Massey, a racist and homophobic man, made threatening phone calls suggesting that Mayor of London Sadiq Khan was going to be shot in the head, but was spared a jail sentence. Massey launched into foul-mouthed rants at the Mayor and police officers during two drunken 999 calls to Suffolk Police, making racist remarks and defending the use of slurs. He admitted to two charges of sending a communication threatening death or serious harm, and was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for a year. Massey must attend alcohol treatment sessions and pay court costs and fees.

Massey, who has a history of convictions including past jail terms for malicious communications, has a prolific history of calling police. In the latest incidents, he made inflammatory comments on the phone calls, including references to Semtex and criticism of the Met Police. His lawyer suggested that the abusive phone calls were based on controversial remarks made by former Conservative Party deputy chairman Lee Anderson on GB News. Anderson had made inflammatory comments about “Islamists” and Mayor Khan, which led to him quitting the Tory Party and joining Reform UK.

Mayor Khan responded to the situation, stating that “blatant anti-Muslim hatred” has been promoted and tolerated within the Conservative Party. He highlighted a rise in cases of Muslims being physically and verbally abused, particularly on social media. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called Anderson’s words “wrong”, and Conservative mayoral candidate Susan Hall condemned the abuse directed at Mayor Khan. She emphasized that while she may criticize Khan’s policies, the abuse based on his faith is unacceptable.

The abusive phone calls made by Massey, who was heavily intoxicated at the time, are a part of a larger issue of intolerance and prejudice facing Muslims in society. Mayor Khan’s position as a prominent Muslim politician makes him a target for hate speech and abuse, as highlighted by the incidents involving Massey and Lee Anderson. The increase in anti-Muslim sentiment on social media and in daily interactions is concerning, and Khan’s call for tolerance and respect is important in addressing these issues.

In response to the situation, Mayor Khan and other political figures have condemned the hateful rhetoric and abuse directed at him. The focus should be on policies and constructive dialogue rather than personal attacks based on faith or ethnicity. While criticism of political leaders is valid and part of a democratic society, abusive language and threats have no place in public discourse. The incidents involving Massey and Anderson highlight the need for greater awareness of and action against hate speech and prejudice towards minority communities in society.