A MAN has avoided jail after threatening to kill SNP MP Kirsty Blackman on social media.
Paul Dawson, 42, admitted posting a picture of the MP for Aberdeen North on his Facebook page, threatening to “skin” her and stated Blackman was "getting death”.
Following the threats, Blackman reported the messages to the police.
In court, Dawson claimed he did not want to kill anyone but added that he would if he “had to”.
At Aberdeen Sheriff Court, Sheriff Philip Mann noted that Dawson suffered from "a serious mental condition", and so he was told he cannot approach or be outside Blackman's constituency office for the next two years.
He has been served with a community payback order with supervision for 18 months and ordered to carry out 75 hours of unpaid work.
Speaking to the Press and Journal, Blackman said: “What happened was really scary.
“To be honest, I think people across the board need to remember that politicians are human beings and abuse like this cannot be tolerated at all.”
Blackman and Dawson shared an exchange in December after Blackman noticed a comment on her Facebook page on December 2, 2023 which read: “You haven’t responded to me yet … did you think I’d forget about it."
Blackman replied and stated she receives hundreds of requests a week from constituents and would help if he provided an address.
Dawson responded: “I’ll kick you up the arse if I have to … and smile when doing time for it.”
He then added: “Just one day … when I don’t think about killing … anyone.
“I do not want to kill you all … but I will … if I have to,” before posting: “If you f*** with me again … I will skin you. F*** with me? You are getting death.”
While avoiding jail, Mann told Dawson: “I would stress that your actions were completely out of order.
“You must try not to let your feelings result in this in future or a court will be less sympathetic.”
