Ex-BBC DJ Alex Belfield found guilty of stalking Jeremy Vine and other Belfield was not accused of physically stalking the complainants, who were mostly current or former BBC staff. "I had this naked hate being piled on me every day and I had to be funny and I had to entertain people," he said. Mr Belfield was today sentenced to five years and 26 months in prison at Nottingham Crown Court. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Mr Vine was subjected to false and baseless claims relating to the supposed theft of 1,000, the court heard. Online stalkers like you have the ability to recruit an army of followers whose conduct massively expands the effect of your stalking. Find Alex Belfield of CelebrityRadio.biz's articles, email address, contact information, Twitter and more. The judge did stop him from interrogating complainants, appointing David Aubrey as a proxy advocate. And what did he mean by: We will be back? That he was allowed to play court reporter upset many complainants, particularly as Belfield decided not to give evidence under oath. Alex Belfield: YouTuber plans appeal against stalking jail sentence Full statement on legal action & police inquiry BBC Bernie Keith / Bernard Spedding & Ben Hewis. He said there was no escape for Belfields victims until bail conditions were imposed ahead of his trial, and agreed with Mr Vines characterisation that the ex-DJ had weaponised the internet against his targets. Ex-BBC presenter Alex Belfield's "campaign of harassment" had left Northampton's Bernie Keith "just seconds away" from suicide. Read about our approach to external linking. The relief was temporary. It was a nine-year obsession, which saw him make what the judge described as the false and scandalous accusation that Keith regularly had sex in public on gay beaches with strangers. "Stalking is a crime. This was a man who had not only eschewed lawyers to represent himself in court, but who had reported on his own trial each night online; a man who even after being found guilty, appeared on stage in Blackpool with controversial rightwing commentator Katie Hopkins, playing up his role as The Stalker as he awaited sentence. He ended with one of his catchphrases I love you, and theres nothing you can do about it before making what to his victims was a sinister promise: We will be back.. I pleaded with him (Belfield) to stop. Ex-BBC DJ guilty of stalking Jeremy Vine during 'vile' hate campaign Finally, respite from what for some had been a decade of near-constant abuse. Broadcaster Alex Belfield arrested FIVE times and strip-searched in 'BBC witch-hunt' The Home Secretary has been asked to intervene in an alleged "witch hunt" of a former BBC DJ who has been . hWmo8+}(fI0He&[%@bwYsun!-Q$m>|(c #*fD((B+AH"9hn@*bJM (XDpn+X [EhA8b0BCJ ]JAD*# vb7kG;?+z]VlMow&k]dY\?2z?|Hzm|umLpM'lU),>9S*sD0xXl&[QdyLUvf% 5nLMY/]B~KJJeLPNAbK Clv/?`x8CG]* WAbZa\kC89ZCR7F-EdOzdoEey1*|z`L8}`! i_}Y/z*}Z4V0j_Zn(XP @C!|D@F;= 4`EwsivT! The judge made restraining orders in relation to all of the complainants, including those Belfield was not convicted of stalking. Apparently jealous that Keith's BBC career carried on while his own was . Another BBC radio presenter, a transgender woman called Stephanie Hirst, became Belfields next target after refusing him an interview after her transition. As well as jailing Belfield, Mr Justice Saini issued indefinite restraining orders banning the DJ from contacting his victims. As Prince Harry says he felt like the film 'the boy in the bubble' before having therapy, who was 12-year-old David Vetter whose tragic story inspired the documentary? and BBC Radio Northampton's Bernie Keith. Worse, in 2013, a few years into Belfields campaign against her and Breen, the BBCs HR team chose to launch an investigation not into their harassment, but into whether they were guilty of bullying Belfield. The former BBC radio presenter was jailed for five-and-a-half years after being convicted in September. He soon made enemies in the theatre world, says a director who started monitoring his online activities a few years ago (and who wishes to remain anonymous). "Although you at no stage committed any physical acts, Mr Vine considered himself and his family to be at risk from you and his followers," the judge told Belfield. Mr Belfield, on 5 August 2022, following a 5 week trial here at Nottingham Crown Court the jury convicted you on 4 counts. The judge said it was an aggravating factor that Belfield's harassment was public, as this caused his social media followers to also abuse Mr Spedding over a "lengthy period". Ex-BBC presenter Alex Belfield stalked Jeremy Vine and colleagues While never submitting himself to cross-examination, he was allowed to deliver a pompous closing speech deriding the case as a BBC and police witch-hunt and describing himself as the No 1 anti-BBC journalist. BBC radio host 'stalked by ex-staff member, 42' tells court how he was At conservative gathering, Trump is still the favourite. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Each of them suffered a campaign of harassment by email and social media communications. I had gone to the police to make it stop and it was just getting worse. 'I love you, and there's nothing you can do about it': will jail Bernie Keith confirms he's mentally ill and in therapy March 2020. Read about our approach to external linking. At first, he grew his audience with silly sketches and phone-ins, railing against government Covid policy, particularly the ban on care-home visits. Ben Hewis intended to destroy my life, reputation and career. Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Radio Presenter Age And Net Worth. That is a picnic compared to this guy. BBC Radio Northampton presenter Bernie Keith was left feeling suicidal by a "tsunami of hate", the trial heard. Sometimes these emails included what the judge said were highly offensive and personal comments about their physical appearance, including sexualised comments as well as wholly false allegations that the women had bullied him. The verdicts in relation to each complainant were: Giving evidence to the trial, Mr Vine described Belfield's behaviour as "like an avalanche of hatred you get hit by", and "absolutely Olympic-level stalking, even for broadcasting". Play it now! At NorthantsLive we're more than just news. Belfield, who is 42 and from Nottingham, was originally charged with stalking eight different people, who were mostly current or former BBC staff. = I;& He also agreed with Mr Vines characterisation that the ex-DJ had weaponised the internet against those he targeted. Breen left this summer to become editor-in-chief at the Bureau of Investigative Journalism. The fact we were asked to ignore potentially criminal evidence is an issue. JDK-8141210 : Very slow loading of JavaScript file with recent JDK Ben Hewis refuses to communicate with Nottingham Police. Ex-BBC Radio Host Alex Belfield Convicted Of Stalking 4 - Deadline Required fields are marked *. We cover what people are talking about every day and celebrate the very best that this incredible part of the world has to offer. A "cruel" former BBC local radio presenter who stalked broadcasters including TV's Jeremy Vine and BBC Northampton 's Bernie Keith has been jailed for more than five years. It could be interpreted as a reluctance to expose systemic failings and a complete failure in duty of care. Dehany ended up the subject of numerous YouTube broadcasts where Belfield suggested he was mentally ill, and called him a mincer and a little twirly with an incredibly tiny man sausage. 'My reputation is now in shreds because all of this has been seen throughout my industry and the wider population. She suffered years of what the judge described as transphobic and hateful comments motivated in part at least by feelings of jealousy as to her success when his own career within the BBC had foundered. Do not sell or share my personal information. Alleged stalker 'is victim of BBC witch-hunt', Jeremy Vine tells trial of 'avalanche of hatred', BBC boss 'terrified by radio host's stalking', Ex-BBC presenter 'stalked fellow broadcasters', Police appeal after stolen tools recovered, Jacksdale ferret rescue plans much-needed fundraiser, Plans for fast food outlets and a bar outside Motorpoint Arena, Huge solar farm near Gotham and East Leake recommended for approval, Community clean-up aims to improve feeling of safety in Warsop, Hucknall bus window smashed by yob with a brick, Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims. dragonfly covid testing nyc. We have begged the BBC to resolve this quietly and privately. Alex Belfield was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in behind bars (Image: PA) A civil stalking order is being pursued at the magistrates' court against former BBC DJ Alex . . Bernard Spedding ignored every single correspondence. One day, Green says she found a talented young producer crying in the toilets after being shouted at by Belfield. Jeremy Vine cries in court as he calls BBC presenter Alex Belfield the VideoRussian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Xi Jinping's power grab - and why it matters, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. Ex-BBC DJ 'devastated' by stalker's 'completely transphobic' video Alex Belfield trial: Former BBC presenter found guilty of stalking Belfield clearly resented being there, recalls Hazell He was sulking and had a face like thunder. 'In April last year I collapsed at my home and had to be taken to hospital. It came following a trial at Nottingham Crown Court, during which the . Why would he/they not deny it if he didnt send it? Addressing the jury in the third week of the trial, Mr Keith said Belfield's YouTube videos, emails and social media messages had included highly abusive language and a threat to 'hound you for the rest of your life'. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. The sentences on each charge Belfield was convicted on: Count 5: BBC Radio Northampton's Bernie Keith, guilty of stalking to cause alarm and distress - Belfield has been given two-and-half years in prison on count 5; Count 6: Videographer Ben Hewis, guilty of stalking to cause alarm and distress - the sentence is consecutive to the previous term for the stalking of Mr Keith. In September 1997, he began his career as part of the launch team of Radio 106. The email contained 7 blatant (easily disprovable) malicious lies. He has also been convicted of stalking Bernie Keith and videographer Ben Hewis. For the TV presenter Jeremy Vine, the most high-profile target of arguably Britains most prolific troll, it would be the first time in several years that he could host a live phone-in without worrying that one of Belfields acolytes would hijack the programme to confront him with Belfields lies. During the trial at Nottingham Crown Court, Judge, Mr Justice Saini spoke of how BBC Radio Northampton presenter Bernie Keith was "seconds away" from killing himself after suffering from tsunami of hate. ', Belfield had made a bogus claim that he had been sacked, Mr Keith said, adding: 'It was all too much. Ten months into the job, Belfield pushed his luck too far in an innuendo-laden chat with the stations weather presenter, in which he suggested he had been masturbating over her. Refuses to deny he wrote the email. Horrific, vicious, cowardly.". Alex Belfield is a 42-year-old former BBC radio star and vlogger who hails from Nottinghamshire. I dont think that stuff even bothered him.. All prove they have absolutely no understanding of the law. Read about our approach to external linking. READ MORE:Jury's verdicts delivered in stalking trial of ex-BBC presenter Alex Belfield. Alex Belfield: Bernie Keith BBC Radio Northampton, 14 March 2020 (25 mins) Is Alex Belfield a victim of lawfare? Recommended Ex-BBC DJ guilty of stalking Jeremy Vine during 'vile' hate campaign Belfield rang Mr Dehanys parents home, where he was shielding during lockdown, and recorded the call for his subscribers while speaking to Mr Dehanys mother. How many people signed up for 1 a week is unclear, though some live streams attracted barely 300 viewers. 203 Adams Ave. Eufaula, OK 74432 what is kip holden doing now A security company had also been brought in to collect him from the radio station's car park, Mr Keith said. VideoRussian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Xi Jinping's power grab - and why it matters, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. Also speaking during the trial, describing watching Belfields video output as like swimming in sewage, Mr Vine said: It felt like I had a fish hook in my face and my flesh was being torn, and the only way to avoid further pain was to stay completely still.. You have got these proclamations of hate coming out and that it will never end.'. Belfield soon became obsessed with ruining Hewiss professional and personal life. Something went wrong, please try again later. Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry, The shocking legacy of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter'. The effect on Keiths life was profound. Is Alex Belfield a Victim of Lawfare? - The Expose According to GoFundMe, which hosted the appeals, he raised a total of 29,446. After being sacked from BBC Radio Leeds, Belfield had to move back to live with his mother in Nottinghamshire and found it difficult to get regular radio work. How much money Belfield made in recent years is unclear. ): They boast glorious ocean views, but swathes of homes along America's coastlines are at risk of tumbling off CLIFFS due to erosion, rising sea levels and extreme weather events, Are YOU guilty of these gym sins? Most of it had been withdrawn by Belfield by the time GoFundMe got around to banning him for inappropriate off-platform behaviour, with the exception of 5,260, which was refunded to donors. Keith Elliot Greenberg Interview The Day John Lennon Died, Keith Chegwin Exclusive 2015 Interview Celebrity Big Brother. Ben Hewis refuses to engage with the police and hand over the email. Close Belfield-watchers believe his lurch to the right was a business decision rather than an ideological one. 562 0 obj <> endobj Ex-BBC presenter Alex Belfield's campaign of harassment had left Northampton's Bernie Keith just seconds away from suicide. Former BBC presenter found guilty of stalking, Alleged stalker 'is victim of BBC witch-hunt', Jeremy Vine tells trial of 'avalanche of hatred', BBC boss 'terrified by radio host's stalking', Ex-BBC presenter 'stalked fellow broadcasters', Police appeal after stolen tools recovered, Jacksdale ferret rescue plans much-needed fundraiser, Plans for fast food outlets and a bar outside Motorpoint Arena, Huge solar farm near Gotham and East Leake recommended for approval, Community clean-up aims to improve feeling of safety in Warsop, Hucknall bus window smashed by yob with a brick, Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims. Online stalkers like you have an ability to recruit an army of followers whose conduct massively expands the effect of your stalking, he said. The judge said that while Belfield did not physically approach or watch his victims, the effects were just as damaging. hbbd```b``"H %&jv`8Z`` Hy |AAg%@ !CI What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? Read about our approach to external linking. Furthermore, Alex was handed two-and-a-half years for the charge concerning BBC Radio Northampton presenter Bernie Keith and a consecutive two-and-a-half year sentence over the stalking charge . YouTubers question whether stalker Alex Belfield will have sentence He warned him he could then be recalled to prison if he commits a further offence. endstream endobj startxref "Bearing in mind the need for an overall proportionate sentence and the principle of totality, I am not satisfied that my final overall sentence of five years and 26 weeks would have been substantially higher had I been made aware of the correct legal position on count 5 [the charge relating to Bernie Keith].". Instead, he made YouTube videos about them, posted messages on social media, and sent emails either to them or about them. In Mr Keiths case, the abuse was sustained over nine years, with the judge saying he had no escape from Belfield, who made up and repeated a wholly false and scandalous allegation about his former friend. He soon made it to the top of Belfields hitlist, featuring regularly as a hate figure in his videos and social media posts. Others were their boss, Rozina Breen, and Ms Breen's boss Helen Thomas. Mr Justice Saini had sentenced Belfield to two-and-a-half years for stalking one of the complainants, Bernie Keith. He has been contacted 5 times to remove his outrageous claims. His trial heard he made YouTube videos about them, posted messages on social media, sent emails, and also encouraged those that follow him to target them. Ex-BBC radio presenter stalked former colleagues and Jeremy Vine, court Collaborations. Why did it take so long to bring him to justice? Labour MP Barry Sheerman is calling for an independent inquiry into how the BBC treated female staff who were harassed online by Belfield. Prosecutors allege that Alex Belfield caused alarm and distress to eight victims after his contract with BBC Radio Leeds was not renewed in 2011. . The fact we were left unsupported from the acts of someone regarded as a prolific, now convicted, stalker is problematic. For just over three minutes, the 42-year-old delivered a monologue in which he said he was in prison for simply defending himself. The full wording of the charges stated that he "pursued a course of conduct that amounted to harassment" of the complainants, which "amounted to stalking" and caused them "serious alarm or distress". Our fears and anxiety were downplayed. Helen Thomas, now director of BBC England, told the jury that she was told to man up by a BBC boss when she complained about Belfields behaviour. Iain Lee says he was 'too scared' to take convicted stalker Alex The final two victims who went to court and testified against Belfield were both from the theatre world. "He said he could see their distress in court and feels deeply sorry for what he did.". Im clearly of more risk to this country than a man who is attracted to children, he deadpanned. =NYOn:0'tzcD|k1xKx^-58nn-~?Oo>K KJ9OVJN3>:EOLbTk*q2ScG=UrS+0t-qNXZ.3X ;{h0B. Giving evidence to Nottingham Crown Court under his full name of Bernie Keith Spedding, he said his reputation is 'now in shreds' after 'proclamations of hate' and death threats, which have affected his health. Jeremy Vine suffered 'Olympic level stalking' by presenter, court hears, Alex Belfield claimed radio station had 'refused' to mention Manchester terrorist attack, Stalker Alex Belfield has shelled out '300,000 already' on his legal case, YouTube still hosts convicted stalker Alex Belfield's videos, Ex-BBC DJ Alex Belfield accused of stalking tells jury he is the victim of a witch-hunt, Alex Belfield was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in behind bars. Articles by Alex Belfield on Muck Rack. Speaking after the verdicts, Sheryl Monk from the Crown Prosecution Service said: "Stalking is a very serious crime that has a severe impact on its victims. Friday Night is our 2nd Handbag Heaven Club Night. Belfield compared his treatment with that of a police officer who had escaped jail despite being convicted of possessing child abuse images. Mr Justice Saini said Belfield developed a fixation in pursuing Mr Vine with a campaign of abuse, with the broadcaster having to warn his wife and children to watch out for the defendant, especially after his home address was published by his followers. The judge described Mr Dehanys mother as robust for the way she dealt calmly with Belfield, telling her: Everybody needs a mother like you. Mr Justice Saini said: It was an outrageous and cruel act to call her and make a recording, which Belfield later used as content on his channel. Both question why the corporation only really took the abuse seriously once a well-known man Vine was involved. Stephanie Hirst presented a show at the station after he left, in the same time slot. Judges are able to vary sentences under section 385 of the Sentencing Act 2020, but the judge decided not to. Vine said it is very, very important that the BBC learn lessons from what happened to the women at BBC Leeds. %PDF-1.7 % Within days, 15,000 people had signed a Free Alex Belfield petition and Hopkins was on Instagram mocking Belfields targets for whining about simple hurty words. Iain Lee sends a powerful message to Alex Belfield fans following He would harass some theatre companies, to the extent that his email address was blocked, and front of house staff were warned about him., Belfield had a complicated relationship with the entertainment industry, the director believes. Thats when Rozina Breen, then the managing editor at BBC Radio Leeds, decided to take what she thought was a calculated chance. The judge made restraining orders on the four victims: Bernard Spedding (also known as Bernie Keith), Ben Hewis, Philip Dehany and Jeremy Vine. BBC & RPC lawyers refuse to deny BBC DJ Bernard Spedding / Bernie Keith wrote email. Then in June 2020, Katie Hopkins was permanently banned from Twitter, opening up a gap in the market for anti-woke, anti-immigrant polemics with an English accent. His trial heard he made YouTube videos about them, posted messages on social media, sent emails, and also encouraged his followers to target them. Video, Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims, US-made cheese can be called 'gruyere' - court, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, Alex Murdaugh's legal troubles are far from over, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, Walkie Talkie architect Rafael Violy dies aged 78, Sonic boom heard as RAF Typhoon jets escort plane, Nelson's 97th-minute stunner gives Arsenal victory. Your email address will not be published. "He had no escape from you," the judge told Belfield. But the judge made further orders protecting the individuals in the stalking charges where Belfield was acquitted - in favour of Rozina Breen, Helen Thomas, Liz Green and Stephanie Hirst under section 5A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. Belfield was given a total of five years and 26 weeks in prison, of which he will serve half, on all four charges he was convicted of. Saying he was proud of how he had managed to keep his troubles from his audience, the radio presenter continued: 'It's come at a huge personal toll. A civil stalking order is being pursued at the magistrates' court against former BBC DJ Alex Belfield, from Mapperley, who is now serving a sentence of more than five years in prison for his shameful conduct online. Green still works for the BBC but is trying to negotiate a settlement to leave. In a statement last week, the BBC said: We know this has been very difficult for those involved and we continue to provide support to current and former staff. 'Because of the tsunami of hate and threats that were coming in to me, we had to have someone else sat in the building with me.'. Mr Vine labelled him "the Jimmy Savile of trolling" during the trial which heard he repeatedly posted or sent abusive messages, videos and emails. News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Despite later coming out as a member of the LGBT community when defending himself against allegations of homophobia in his trial, Belfield attempted to project an image of rampant heterosexuality for much of his life, with frequent references to breasticles and the current or future Mrs Belfield. I live in fear and I have done for a long time, she says. The judge said Belfield "bombarded" Mr Spedding - who had previously been friends with Belfield - with Facebook messages and emails, and made "highly abusive" YouTube videos containing false allegations.

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