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Ex-Para made threat to kill Nick Clegg
A FORMER serviceman who threatened to kill Sheffield Hallam MP and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg after claiming he was a secret service bodyguard has been jailed.
James Mayo, aged 43, who spent six years in the Parachute Regiment, headed to the Friends Meeting House in York a day before Clegg was due to appear at a question and answer session on September 30.
Mayo then told shocked staff: "I'm going to kill Nick Clegg."
Staff called police and he was arrested and remanded in custody.
Steve Ovenden, prosecuting at York Magistrates Court, said homeless Mayo twice visited the venue ahead of Mr Clegg's arrival and worried staff with his strange manner.
He said: "On the first occasion, he asked staff questions about the politician's visit.
"His behaviour was somewhat odd but did not cause concern.
"But when he returned he made a specific threat to kill Nick Clegg, saying he was a bodyguard and would be back the following day.
"It was not made in a dramatic way but the staff were quite taken aback and thought it was bizarre."
Sandra Keen, defending, said: "He had been sleeping rough and tried everything he could to get himself accommodation.
"He has tried to achieve stability in his life and the Royal British Legion have indicated they are willing to assist him."
Mayo admitted making threats to kill and was jailed for eight weeks but the time he has already spent in prison means he is expected to be freed almost immediately.
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Weather for Sheffield
Thursday 09 February 2012
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