46-year-old James Phillips was due to appear in court today charged with malicious communications

A lamp with 'Metropolitan Police' in white set in blue glass, outside a red brick police station building — Credit – Met Police

A Wood Green man has been charged with malicious communications following an abusive phone call to Finchley and Golders MP Mike Freer.

James Phillips, 46, of Brampton Park Road, N22 was due to appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court today after being arrested yesterday.

He was arrested following a police investigation launched after Freer’s office reported an abusive and threatening phone call on Thursday February 1st.

The MP announced last week that he will be stepping down from parliament following death threats and an arson attack on his office.

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else. £84 annual supporters get a print copy by post and a digital copy of each month's before anyone else.