Alex Belfield, a 43-year-old former BBC radio presenter presently serving a five-and-a-half-year prison sentence for stalking, has been prohibited from contacting two additional individuals. Belfield had been charged with stalking eight folks, primarily present or former BBC employees members, and was discovered guilty of stalking BBC Radio Northampton presenter Bernard Spedding and videographer Ben Hewis. He was additionally convicted of two lesser offences of “simple” stalking involving broadcaster Jeremy Vine and theatre blogger Philip Dehany.
Belfield appeared before Nottingham Magistrates’ Court via video link from HMP Stocken in Rutland and was made the topic of a stalking protection order. Basic is now banned from attempting to contact Greg Scott, a man he had despatched a tweet to, and his wife Karen. Additionally, Belfield might not publish or try and publish any material referring to the couple.
During the trial, Vine referred to Belfield as “the Jimmy Savile of trolling” because the court docket heard in regards to the quite a few abusive messages, videos, and emails he had despatched. District judge Sunil Khanna determined that there was a necessity for the safety order and warned Belfield that he might face further imprisonment if he breached it.
Belfield was also ordered to pay £403 in prices after barrister Christopher Pembridge revealed that the case, which has been ongoing for three years, had price the police £20,000. Pembridge argued that it would be “unjust” for Belfield to pay the full prices however requested the choose to consider an applicable amount.
David Aubrey KC, representing Belfield, said that his client’s capacity to work following his release from jail could be restricted and that he mustn’t shoulder substantial prices. “It could be very a lot up in the air and can depend upon what happens upon his release finally,” he added..