Man given suspended sentence for harassing MP

A man who harassed Bradford West MP Naz Shah during her 2024 general election campaign has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

Nahid Khan, 46, of Canford Grove, Allerton, pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words to cause harassment, alarm or distress to the Labour MP on 12 June.

He was sentenced to 12 weeks in jail, suspended for 12 months, at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Following the sentencing, Ms Shah said: "The behaviour of Naheed Khan during the summer election was disgraceful and I welcome this sentence from the courts."

She added: "During an election, not only do people have the right to campaign for alternative candidates or views, people also have the right to make that choice at the ballot box.

"The use of intimidation, hate and harassment has no place in a healthy democracy that allows avenues of debate, discussion and differences.

"No candidate or political canvassers should face such kinds of violent hostility when simply taking part in democracy.

"I would like to thank the police and the Crown Prosecution Service for their work in this case."

Khan was told he must undertake 200 hours of unpaid work, pay £300 compensation and complete 15 days of rehabilitation activity.

He has also been given a restraining order banning him from contacting or attempting to contact Ms Shah or attend her constituency office until 15 January 2030.

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