Ben Hoskin, 22, of Ellis Lane, was sentenced in Camden Local Court last week after pleading guilty to two charges of using a telecommunications device to menace, harass or offend.

Hoskin had mistakenly believed Mr Corrigan was the author of a flyer urging people to protest against the Islamic school proposal.

After reading the flyer, which was actually distributed by the Camden/Macarthur Residents' Group, Hoskin sent two emails to Mr Corrigan.

The first email said: "Im a resident of camden and just received your flyer in the mail just wondering HOW RACIST ARE YOU? to tell you the truth I live within 2km of the new school and couldnt care less if it is biult I HOPE THE FIRST THING THEY DO IS BLOW YOU AND ALL

THE PEOPLE LIKE YOU UP!!!!!!!!''

Hoskin's solicitor Ngoc Le said her client had not realised his emails were sent to an individual because he assumed the address belonged to an organisation or institution that was lobbying against the school.

"He's saying he never intended to threaten or hurt or offend anyone but realised that is a result of his actions and he's sorry,'' she said in court.

"Although his actions were a criminal matter, his intentions were never criminal.''

Magistrate John Andrews said Hoskin's actions were a "hasty, stupid reaction to what you saw as an inappropriate flyer''.

"Be that as it may, it is a serious matter,'' he said.

"People, particularly Members of Parliament, should not be pressured by way of an email which can be regarded as menacing, harassing and offensive.

"They also need to be able to go about their business as parliamentarians or local members without receiving materials such as this.''