'ABUSE' RAP

Man arrested after ‘calling Nicola Sturgeon a Nazi’ in email over Covid funeral rules

A MAN was arrested after allegedly calling Nicola Sturgeon a Nazi in an email over Covid funeral rules.

Brian Smith, 44, was nicked by cops amid claims he targeted the First Minister with abusive threats.

A fake image showing Ms Sturgeon in a Nazi uniform was allegedly received by her parliament email address.

And in one rant Mr Smith, of Kilmarnock, is alleged to have compared the SNP leader to Margaret Thatcher because he was unable to attend his uncle's funeral due to Covid restrictions.

It's understood Ms Sturgeon did not read the emails - but they were opened by a Scottish Parliament staff member who raised the alarm.

One email is alleged to have read: “My uncle died and I can’t go to the funeral f****** crap. You’re like Margaret Thatcher.”

A message portraying Ms Sturgeon in a World War II German uniform allegedly contained the caption: "Nazi German lover, sieg heil."

And in another email Mr Smith is alleged to have written: "You’re a f****** **** Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP stinks can definitely smell s****".

A source told the Daily Record: "The emails were picked up by a member of staff.

"It was thought that the best course of action was to contact the police."

A police spokesperson said: “A 44-year-old man has been charged in connection with telecommunications offences following a report that threats were received by a member of the Scottish Parliament.

“The man will appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court at a later date.”

The Scottish Government declined to comment.