‘Terrified’ Kate Thornton bombarded with 6,000 texts and emails by ‘relentless, obsessive’ stalker
TV and radio star Kate Thornton was bombarded with 6,000 texts and emails by a stalker.
The former X Factor host was targeted by James McCamley over five months.
A court heard many of the messages were “sexual in nature” and left the Greatest Hits Radio DJ, 52, and colleague Mary Mandefield “terrified” and “on tenterhooks”.
McCamley, 53, of Glasgow, targeted both in his messages to the station.
Despite living in Scotland, he turned up at the London studios with presents including bottles of wine and once waited in the lobby for two hours.
The incident forced the station to boost security.
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Staff were shown a photo of him and warned to avoid him if he appeared outside.
Both presenters had to change their route home.
Prosecutor Edward Aydin told Highbury Corner magistrates: “The two women fear him. It’s a relentless, obsessive stalking. They are seeking restraining orders. ”
McCamley, who admitted two stalking charges, was remanded in custody last year and is due to be sentenced today.
Kate was the first host of The X Factor from 2004 to 2006 before she was replaced by Dermot O’Leary.
She later anchored Loose Women and was a regular stand-in host on This Morning.
What to do if you think you are being stalked
Stalking is illegal and can include being followed or constantly harassed by another person – for example, being sent unwanted emails.
Contact the police if you’re being stalked – you have a right to feel safe in your home and workplace.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
If it’s not an emergency, contact your local police station.
You can also get advice from the National Stalking Helpline, call 0808 802 0300.
You can also contact Protection Against Stalking.