Stella Creasy was told by police that her harasser, who reported her to social services despite not knowing her, would not face criminal charges because he was “entitled” to his opinion that her children should be removed from care due to her “extreme” views.
A senior member of parliament has accused police of providing the “green light” to internet trolls after a frivolous complaint led to a social services investigation into her.
Stella Creasy was informed that her harasser would not face criminal charges because he was “entitled” to his opinion that her children should be removed from care due to her “extreme” views.
The man did not know the Labour MP or her two children. But he disagreed with her campaign against misogyny and her request to be allowed to breastfeed in the voting chamber.
Ms. Creasy was subjected to a review for safety and was swiftly cleared.
The agitator was reported to the police, who instructed him to cease all contact with the victim.
“I was horrified and humiliated because these are professionals with whom I work to protect children in my local community,” the MP told. “I was then outraged that someone’s response to disagreeing with me was to suggest that my children would be at risk and therefore should be removed from me.”
“We can all engage in robust conversations, debates, and discussions, and I can passionately disagree with others. But threatening to take away their children because you disagree with someone is not free speech. It is a form of harassment.”
The Member of Parliament for Walthamstow in north London reported that Leicestershire Police informed her that the harassment was “insignificant.”
She stated that she believed the police decision “gives a green light to those who disagree with people in the public eye – not just politicians. But also journalists and campaigners – because this man was harassing other people. Including other women he disagreed with, via their families.
“In a democracy, I believe we do not want to go there.”
“The police officer told me that my views were extreme,” she continued.
“He said it was perfectly reasonable because other people on social media – as if Twitter is our metric for normal, sane debate in this country right now – would have expressed the same views and said that this man had a perfectly protected right and was entitled to do what he did, but that he wasn’t motivated by hatred of women.
If this is not sexism, I do not know what is.
The police investigated a ‘number of communications’
Leicestershire Police stated that it had investigated a “number of emails” sent to the MP. And that the man was given a community resolution rather than a formal sanction. Because the communications did not constitute a criminal offense.
The report stated that the content of the messages “understandably caused upset and distress”. And that officers had spoken with the sender, who confessed he was to blame and apologized.
It was stated that there have been no further reports of unsolicited contact.
The spokesperson stated, “Leicestershire Police takes any report of harassment extremely seriously. And will conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate action.”
The force remains entirely committed to ensuring the safety of women and girls, listening to their concerns, and combating violence.
A Waltham Forest Council spokesperson added, “All safeguarding allegations are handled by national law.” We are obligated to take each case seriously and ensure compliance with the law.”
