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Man Sentenced for Chilling Death Threats to Ardern

7/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Richard Sivell, 43, received an 11-month prison sentence for issuing chilling death threats against former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern via Telegram. Despite his claims of innocence and attempts to dismiss the charges, Judge Harding emphasized the premeditated nature of the threats, though he recognized that Ardern faced no real danger. Sivell had been out on bail for 20 months prior to his arrest.

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Story summary

Richard Sivell, 43, received an 11-month prison sentence for issuing chilling death threats against former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern via Telegram. Despite his claims of innocence and attempts to dismiss the charges, Judge Harding emphasized the premeditated nature of the threats, though he recognized that Ardern faced no real danger. Sivell had been out on bail for 20 months prior to his arrest.