POLICE have welcomed the punishment handed out to an animal rights campaigner who made threats to kill animal research staff.

Lisa Everton, aged 43, of York Street, Newcastle, also sent threatening emails to workers at a hotel which sold foie gras.

Chief Inspector John Maddox, of Staffordshire Police, said: "This was a very serious offence, regardless of whether or not she intended to carry out her threats."

Everton was sentenced a 12-month community order and year-long supervision order at North Staffordshire Magistrates' Court after previously pleading guilty to sending malicious communications.