She became much more hesitant on air because of Mr Belfield. Ms Breen tweeted that she was glad to finally have justice after 10 years. "He had no escape from you," the judge told Belfield. Belfield had harassed this victim, BBC Radio Northampton presenter Bernard Spedding, for nine years and some of his followers had sent him death threats. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. After a campaign of harassment against multiple victims, Alex Belfield was jailed last week. During the arrest, the police smashed down his front door, confiscated all his equipment,. The judge made restraining orders in relation to all of the complainants, including those Belfield was not convicted of stalking. CONFIRMED DC Janet Percival Is A Corrupt Liar . Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. (The person to be protected does not have to have been the victim of the acts mentioned above. Alex Belfield is currently in prison after being convicted of stalking four men, Barry Sheerman said he and other MPs want an independent inquiry, Liz Green said she had been suicidal as a result of Belfield's harassment, Rozina Breen said the BBC had left her and other staff to "sink or swim", Belfield had been a presenter at BBC Radio Leeds. Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk. Rozina Breen, who was also harassed by Belfield, left the BBC in May to become CEO and editor-in-chief for The Bureau of Investigative Journalism. He now runs a YouTube channel called The Voice of Reason, but he told jurors he had previously worked for the BBC for 15 years. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. He told jurors he had been arrested five times, strip-searched in order to "humiliate" him, and his house had been "raided" three times by Nottinghamshire Police. Read about our approach to external linking. "In some cases this has extended to death threats," he said. . Heartbreaking family struggles faced by crime boss who 'messed up', CCTV images released after 'man chased with weapon in street', Serviceman killed after head on collision with bus, Julie Bindel raises nearly 40,000 in bid to sue Nottingham City Council, Nottingham man appears in court charged with murder of 11-year-old boy, Stephanie Hirst, pictured during a radio industry awards ceremony (Lia Toby/PA). "The stalking you committed was not the conventional type which is popularised in the press," he said. VideoThe secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, LGBT troops take love for Eurovision to front line, Why an Indian comedian is challenging fake news rules. The judge said one of his victims came close to killing himself. Belfield, who previously presented a show for BBC Radio Leeds, was labelled the Jimmy Savile of trolling and he subjected TV presenter Jeremy Vine to an "avalanche of hatred". Mr Belfield criticised Jeremy Vine's evidence, which he described as "the cleverest razzle dazzle I've ever seen". "[8] The judge noted that while Belfield acknowledged the distress he caused the victims, he showed more concern during the proceedings about being treated unfairly and how the process impacted him (Belfield) personally. ", Mr Belfield told jurors: "I'm sorry if it happened but it was nothing to do with me.". "I was the most successful anti-BBC journalist in the country," he said. "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. A trial jury, however, disagreed and convicted him of seven counts of gross indecency with a child under the age of 14 and a further seven counts of indecent assault against a child under 14. "You made this highly successful and confident radio presenter lose all joy in life and turned him into a shell.". To protect the history, the street even has it's own historical group known as the Mill Gate Conservation Group. "Your methods were, however, just as effective as a way of intimidating your victims, and were in many ways much harder to deal with.". "Can you imagine if this happened to Piers Morgan, or to Nick Ferrari, or to Kay Burley, or if this happened to Graham Norton or to anyone at the BBC?" This is people driven into mental health breakdowns with no support, by an employer that obviously didn't care.". Nottingham Celebrity Radio Alex Belfield Talks about Court . Is climate change killing Australian wine? he said. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Labour MP Barry Sheerman says the BBC failed to protect female staff harassed by Alex Belfield. Belfield is accused of leading a "campaign of harassment" against individuals after being let go by the BBC. said Mr Belfield. [3], Belfield went on to claim online fame through his YouTube channel called The Voice of Reason. In response, the BBC press office said the corporation wanted "to learn" from what happened. Read about our approach to external linking. The arrest on Thursday is not the first time Mr. "Is it time we got the Department of Culture, Media and Sport secretary here? Alex Belfield (born 1979 or 1980)[1] is an English former radio presenter for BBC Radio Leeds who was dismissed for misconduct. However, it was decided that the monitoring should not continue, because the emails were "inoffensive", "non-threatening", and Mr Belfield was deemed to pose "no risk to BBC staff". We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. He said he had been raising issues on air, in his role as a journalist, "for the right reasons". The letter complains that Mr Belfield was unlawfully arrested, subsequently assaulted and wrongly detained for a period of about six hours.. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk. Four days later, Belfied is alleged to have uploaded a video onto YouTube, which did not name her. 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. A YouTube video by a man accused of stalking was considered by an ex-BBC radio presenter as being "a hurtful parody". To protect the history, the street even has it's own historical group known as the Mill Gate Conservation Group. Consultez le profil complet sur LinkedIn et dcouvrez les relations de Anjali, ainsi que des emplois dans des entreprises similaires. In relation to the women, the judge said: "Each of them suffered a campaign of harassment by email and social media communications. Later she referred to it in her evidence as, "a hurtful parody" and "parodying me", "transphobic", and "hurtful at the same time". Each of them suffered serious mental health problems arising from Mr Belfield's conduct," he said. Alex Belfield, 42, from Nottingham, claims the BBC and police colluded in order to get him arrested. She said: Watkinson was responsible for a horrendous and calculating catalogue of offences that would have gone unpunished without the bravery of his victims, who showed remarkable courage and stoicism in explaining so clearly what Watkinson had put them through all those years ago. May Bank Holiday supermarket opening times for Aldi, Asda, Lidl, Tesco and more, Leeds United considering major decision in Nottingham Forest relegation fight. Belfield denies all the charges and the trial continues. Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday (June 30), Watkinson, of Recreation Drive, Shirebrook, was jailed for a total of 25 years. I am a great, passionate supporter of public broadcasting but what these women have suffered from the BBC is unacceptable.". Did this woman die because her genitals were cut? Along with the five-and-a-half-year sentence given to Belfield last month, restraining orders were also put in place to protect four women he had targeted. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. However, Mr Belfield told jurors he had resigned "because they didn't want to give me more money, which is fine". The prosecution said the YouTuber's stalking was more akin to 'internet trolling' than physical stalking, sending emails, tweets or making videos and subjecting victims to harassment and abuse - some of them over the course of many years. READ MORE:Jeremy Vine suffered 'Olympic level' stalking by former radio presenter Alex Belfield, court hears. Mr Sheerman also chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Miscarriages of Justice. Is climate change killing Australian wine? [6] On 29 July he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court and was alleged to have stalked eight people between November 2012 and March 2021, including BBC staff members Stephanie Hirst and Jeremy Vine. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. "People who claim I was stalking them were actively seeking out my content. Mr Belfield is accused of stalking by sending emails, making YouTube videos and posting messages on social media. Officers from the. Labour MP Barry Sheerman raised the case in Parliament, saying the BBC gave "no help" to women Belfield harassed. To protect the history, the street even has it's own historical group known as the Mill Gate Conservation Group. Mr Sheerman said he and other MPs would now be campaigning for an independent inquiry looking at the Belfield case, and perhaps the treatment of other BBC staff who have been harassed. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. [1], Belfield was convicted in September 2022 for four of eight stalking charges at Nottingham Crown Court. May Bank Holiday supermarket opening times for Aldi, Asda, Lidl, Tesco and more, Leeds United considering major decision in Nottingham Forest relegation fight. or. ). Alex Belfield, 42, from Nottingham, claims the BBC and police colluded in order to get him arrested. Bernard Spedding - guilty (majority verdict), Philip Dehany - not guilty to the charge on the indictment but guilty of the alternative charge of "simple" stalking (majority verdict), Jeremy Vine - not guilty to the charge on the indictment but guilty of the alternative charge of "simple" stalking (unanimous verdict). #guilty #speeding #crime Alex Belfield Social Commentator Radio Celebrity Voice of Reason. The former BBC radio presenter, of Mapperley, can be seen smirking in his police mugshot after. Mr Justice Saini had sentenced Belfield to two-and-a-half years for stalking one of the complainants, Bernie Keith. She added: "He very deliberately set out to make other peoples lives a misery causing them very genuine fear, alarm and distress. In the Lyon and Grenoble metropolitan areas, and the Haute-Savoie department, INRAE units contribute to research activities at the Lyon-Saint-Etienne, Grenoble-Alpes, and Savoie Mont Blanc . Man dies in serious crash that closed road for hours, Almost 1,000 damage caused to car in eight months on town centre road, "There are always cars parked without permits which leads to a severe lack of parking and an extremely busy street". Did this woman die because her genitals were cut? The offences took place in multiple addresses in Nottingham in the 1990s and early 2000s. 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. Read about our approach to external linking. According to the letter, Mr Belfield is currently engaged in a civil dispute with individuals in the broadcaster who he is suing for defamation. Alex Belfield, who now runs a YouTube channel, stalked his victims by harassing them online. Video, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies, Father tells how gunman opened fire on Texas home, Trump says 'great to be home' on visit to Scotland, NFL player's daughter, aged two, drowns in pool, Banana artwork in Seoul museum eaten by visitor, Trevelyan relative 'would consider' famine payment. He warned him he could then be recalled to prison if he commits a further offence. Mr Belfield told the jury: "I'm a Nottingham lad with a potty mouth and I speak as I find it, and I appreciate that's not to everyone's taste. $109. Alex Belfield had allegedly accused the BBC of hiring her for a "box ticking exercise", claimed the prosecution at his Nottingham Crown Court trial. Alex Belfield has been warned he could be jailed A former BBC radio presenter has been found guilty of stalking four people including broadcaster Jeremy Vine. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. He complained about his treatment by police. Belfield was convicted of 4 charges - two were alternatives of "simple stalking". Man dies in serious crash that closed road for hours, Almost 1,000 damage caused to car in eight months on town centre road, "There are always cars parked without permits which leads to a severe lack of parking and an extremely busy street". Jeremy Vine tells trial of 'avalanche of hatred', BBC boss 'terrified by radio host's stalking', Ex-BBC presenter 'stalked fellow broadcasters', Nottinghamshire firefighters get trauma packs in response to Manchester Arena inquiry, Illegal weapon found under sink in search for suspect, New recruit Sarah set to open the doors to Ashfield companys growth, Worksop pub and kitchen plans fun day to celebrate King's coronation, Russia launches missile attacks on Ukraine, Explosion derails train in Russian border region, JP Morgan snaps up troubled US bank First Republic. 3. However, Alex Belfield was. "Nobody wants to be exposed. However, he claims he had legitimate reasons for doing so, and has a right to freedom of speech. Each of them suffered serious mental health problems arising from Mr Belfield's conduct.". Is climate change killing Australian wine? This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Mr Vine had told the court that one of Mr Belfield's followers posted something under a tribute he posted to his late father on Facebook, saying: "What would your father have said if he had known his son was a thieving toe-rag? Detectives from Nottinghamshire Police conducted an in-depth investigation and charged Watkinson with a range of sexual offences committed against three girls under the age of 14 years. The Centre is part of a particularly dynamic ecosystem, within the second French . Forgot account? In the letter to Nottinghamshire Chief Constable, Mr Belfields solicitor alleged that officers who arrested him on March 27 were not wearing insigniaor any form of identification or body worn video equipment breaking National College of Policing rules. Ms Hirst then heard the broadcast. Express. His planned appeal has now been mentioned in court by the trial judge, at a hearing which related to an error made when Belfield was sentenced. "For him to associate me with Jimmy Savile is unthinkable.". MP seeks inquiry over BBC staff harassed online, Harassed women accuse BBC of failing to help them, The stalker who reported on his own trial, My jailed stalker says he'll be back - Jeremy Vine, 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', Nottinghamshire firefighters get trauma packs in response to Manchester Arena inquiry, Illegal weapon found under sink in search for suspect, New recruit Sarah set to open the doors to Ashfield companys growth, Worksop pub and kitchen plans fun day to celebrate King's coronation, Russia launches missile attacks on Ukraine, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies, Air strikes pound Sudan capital as truce extended. Log In. Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on Friday (September 16), 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. Ms Hirst had just appeared in a podcast called the Naked Podcast where she explained to the jury how it was, "three of us laid on a bed talking about our bodies" and, "we all look at our bodies in different ways". The judge said that while Belfield did not physically approach or watch his victims, the effects were just as damaging. For each of these offences he was sentenced to 13 weeks, also to run consecutively. live from las vegas this is the voice of reason for a monday it is a month today until i finally get my dream of 11 years of getting into court with people who i believe have lied and cheated to create one of the biggest witch hunts in the history of the media that led to five arrests three raids without warrants and the bomb squad . One of the complainants, Liz Green, was a fellow presenter there. UK-Ireland tunnel from Holyhead to Dublin in 2035 plan EU would pay, Law student's degree is at risk because she said women have vaginas, Alex Belfield was blamed for an alleged bomb hoax, BBC row: Jonathan Dimbleby thrashes calls to cut licence fee in half, A2 closed in Kent after EIGHT cars crash near Bluewater, Police officer in hospital with severe injuries after being hit by car. The Clermont-Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes Centre brings together the units located in the Auvergne region, from Bourbonnais to Aurillac via Clermont-Ferrand, with 14 research units and 14 experimental facilities, representing 840 staff (permanent and contractual staff). Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? Mr Belfield, who is 42 and lives in Nottingham,. Mr Bridgen said: There are serious questions that need to be asked about both the BBC and the police in this case. "This is a campaign that's not going away.". Read More: 'Teenager hurt' in Mansfield Road collision. I am pleased that he has now been held accountable for this actions and hope that this verdict serves as a warning to others who think they can behave in this way without consequence. "Finally, I would like to pay tribute to the victims in this case who have shown enormous courage and dignity in coming forward to give evidence in public. Alex Belfield. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. He also said that only 29 emails were produced as evidence by the prosecution. I find in relation to Ms Breen and Ms Thomas abusive emails running into thousands were sent over about a 10-year period. His victims included former colleagues at the corporation, among them Radio 2's Jeremy Vine. The latest Nottingham Forest news as the Leeds board are said to have been in discussions following the 4-1 defeat against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday. Thomas Watkinson was arrested in 2019 following historic allegations, Never miss a crime story with our free email updates. Mr Sheerman is the MP for Huddersfield, the constituency of Liz Green, who was one of those harassed by the former BBC broadcaster. Alex Belfield was convicted of four charges following a trial at Nottingham Crown Court A former BBC radio presenter found guilty of stalking four people including broadcaster Jeremy Vine has. "He was seconds away from taking his own life as a result of your conduct," the judge, Mr Justice Saini, told Belfield. Belfield's career began as an entertainer in Nottingham at the age of 14. Belfield was found not guilty of stalking Rozina Breen, Liz Green, Helen Thomas and Stephanie Hirst. Responding to Mr Sheerman in Parliament, Penny Mordaunt, leader of the Commons, said: "I thank him for raising this point, it's an incredibly serious matter, and I hope that all employers would have that duty of care and look after people. Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Jurors found Belfield not guilty of stalking Ms Green, Ms Breen, and two other BBC employees - Helen Thomas and Stephanie Hirst. "Can you imagine having your freedom taken away, being strip-searched, and the humiliation of having Nottingham police sent to your home three times by the BBC?". Mr Belfield until Nottinghamshire Police became involved in late . He did so after the prosecution told him the maximum sentence for this offence was five years, but the maximum sentence is actually 10 years. Count 8: Jeremy Vine, not guilty to stalking to cause alarm and distress but guilty to simply stalking - Belfield has been sentenced to 13 weeks consecutively for stalking Mr Vine. Video, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, Explosion derails train in Russian border region, Banana artwork in Seoul museum eaten by visitor, Trump says 'great to be home' on visit to Scotland, NFL player's daughter, aged two, drowns in pool, Father tells how gunman opened fire on Texas home, Trevelyan relative 'would consider' famine payment, JP Morgan snaps up troubled US bank First Republic.
