A former Solihull businessman has avoided an immediate jail term after admitting sending racially offensive and threatening emails to Reform UK MP Suella Braverman. Jagjivan Ram, 65, of Waste Lane, Balsall Common, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 4, where he was handed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.
Offensive messages left MP 'very upset and disturbed'
Ram had previously pleaded guilty to two charges under the Malicious Communications Act. The court heard that the emails, sent in June 2024, contained numerous racially offensive slurs, sexual references, and a mention of lynching. The messages left Ms Braverman, who is Reform UK’s education, skills and equalities spokeswoman, “very upset and disturbed”.
District Judge David Wain noted that Ram, who has no previous convictions, had been assessed as suffering from depressive symptoms and side-effects of antibiotics at the time of the offence. The judge accepted that Ram’s poor health and the 18-month delay in bringing the case to court were significant factors in avoiding an immediate custodial sentence.
Judge criticises delay in prosecution
“If this matter had appeared in front of me in 2024 you would likely have immediately gone to jail. However, for reasons which are unclear, it did not arrive in this court until 2026,” District Judge Wain told Ram.
Ms Braverman, the MP for Fareham and Waterlooville in Hampshire, exercised her right not to make a victim personal statement. She defected from the Conservative Party to Reform UK in January this year.
Sentence includes curfew and rehabilitation
In addition to the suspended sentence, Ram was made subject to a 12-week electronically-monitored curfew, ordered to complete 30 rehabilitation activity days, and given a five-year restraining order banning any direct or indirect contact with Ms Braverman.
The court heard that Ram, who is now unemployed and facing “dire” financial circumstances, had recently undergone surgery and had claimed benefits. His defence lawyer, Ed Ball, said: “He doesn’t really remember what has occurred. He is thoroughly ashamed.”
MPs 'are real people with real families'
District Judge Wain emphasised the impact of such offences on public figures: “MPs are real people with real families. They are not just people on television. In this case you were going through a difficult time but that does not in any way justify the behaviour shown.”
Ram, who previously claimed to have created thousands of jobs in the UK and overseas, was told that his guilty pleas at the first opportunity were taken into account. The case highlights the legal consequences of sending malicious communications to elected representatives, with courts treating such offences with severity even when the offender’s mental state is a mitigating factor.
