James Haviland, 63, has been given a 10-year restraining order and told to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to stalking TV presenter Fern Britton without fear, alarm or distress.
The Basingstoke native, 63, admitted to stalking the This Morning star, driving 200 miles to stay close to her holiday cottage and sending her flowers. On May 2, he pleaded guilty to stalking Ms Britton at her home in Cornwall.
The stalking took place for almost two years between November 2021 and September 2023. Charges stated: “Between 20/11/2021 and 16/9/2023 at Wadebridge, Cornwall, [Haviland] pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking of Fern Britton and which you knew or ought to have known amounted to the harassment of her”.
READ MORE: ‘No wonder Taylor Swift has to wee in a bucket – the Eras Tour almost killed me!’
READ MORE: Click for more brilliant Daily Star showbiz stories
He sent the presenter unwanted flowers and a card in November 2021 and June 2023, and attempted to send more flowers in June 2022. He stayed in the same village as Fern in February, May and November 2022.
Things got even more out of hand when Haviland made a booking to stay in her rental cottage, staying there for a week in September 2023. He tried to book it again for a month later.
Prosecutor Samantha Rogers detailing in court: “Over a prolonged period he sent flowers, stayed in a particular village moving closer to where she lives and staying in a cottage that she owns.”
(Image: ITV)
Fern first moved to Cornwall in 2020 after splitting from her ex-husband Phil Vickery after a 20-year marriage.
Fern said at the time: “After more than 20 happy years together, Phil and I have decided to go our separate ways. We will always share a great friendship and our lovely children. We would appreciate it if our privacy is respected at this time. Thank you for your continued kindness and support.”
(Image: REX/Shutterstock for Big Brother)
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.
She detailed more about the move in a chat with Good Housekeeping, explaining: “I’m not afraid of change. The last three years have been very hard. I lost my parents, I lost my marriage.
“I lost my other home in Buckinghamshire, too, because Phil lives there now and I’m in Cornwall. But the magic I’ve found here is incredible. I’ve made some wonderful girlfriends – that’s been a lovely surprise.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
