Solihull Businessman Admits Sending Offensive Emails to Suella Braverman
A businessman from Solihull has pleaded guilty to sending grossly offensive emails to former Home Secretary Suella Braverman. Jagjivan Ram, aged 65, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court where he admitted two charges of sending communications of an indecent or offensive nature.
Details of the Offences and Court Proceedings
The charges relate to emails sent on June 10, 2024, and June 28, 2024. Both communications were described as being of an indecent or grossly offensive nature, intended to cause distress or anxiety. However, the specific content of the emails was not disclosed during the hearing held on Wednesday, February 18.
Ram, who resides on Waste Lane in Balsall Common, Solihull, expressed remorse for his actions but stated he could not remember the content of the messages. He attributed this memory lapse to medication effects, which his defense lawyer, Ed Ball, described as causing a fogginess in relation to the sent emails.
Unusual Case and Judicial Remarks
District Judge David Wain characterized the situation as an unusual case. He noted that while Ram had no recollection of sending the emails, he acknowledged they were sent from his email address with intent. Judge Wain told Ram, In essence you have no recollection of sending it but you would have sent it and sent it with intent.
In response, Ram apologized, saying, I would be sorry if I knew what was in that email message, I would be 1,000 per cent.... From a moral perspective that's not me. He was wearing a surgical mask during the court appearance.
Background and Career Impact
According to Companies House records, Jagjivan Ram has served as a director for multiple businesses over the past two decades. He informed the court that he had created tens of thousands of jobs globally through his entrepreneurial efforts. However, he lamented the potential impact of the conviction on his professional life, stating, that's my career gone.
Sentencing Adjournment and Bail Conditions
The sentencing has been adjourned until April 22 to allow for the completion of a probation report. In the interim, Ram has been granted bail with specific conditions, including a prohibition on contacting Suella Braverman.
Suella Braverman, who served as Home Secretary twice in 2022 and 2023, was a Conservative MP at the time the emails were sent. She now represents Reform UK in the Fareham and Waterlooville constituency in Hampshire.
