Covid denier who posted violent threats against Chris Whitty jailed for five years

Patrick Ruane had targeted individuals online including chief medical officer

A Covid denier who suggested “whacking” Prof Sir Chris Whitty with a rounders bat has been jailed for five years after being convicted of encouraging terrorism.

Messages posted by Patrick Ruane on social media were described by a judge who sentenced him at the Old Bailey as “extremely dangerous” during a volatile time.