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A man with a “crush” on TV presenter Fern Britton has been given a 10-year restraining order following a “prolonged campaign” against her.
James Haviland, 63, admitted stalking Ms Britton without fear, alarm or distress between November 2021 and September 2023 in Wadebridge, Cornwall.
He sent the former This Morning host “unwanted” flowers and stayed in the cottage she rents out in the county.
Haviland, from Chineham, Hampshire, was told to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and banned from entering Cornwall.
Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court heard he stayed in her Cornish property for a week last September and then made a further booking to stay there in November 2023.
Haviland had also stayed in Wadebridge three times between February and November 2022.
He had also sent Ms Britton flowers three times between November 2021 and July 2023.
Prosecutor Kerry Richardson said Haviland sent a bunch of red roses in November 2021 with a card that said: “I think you are amazing”, with another note that said: “You are beautiful, keep safe, keep smiling.
“PS I am sure you get this thing all the time.”
Ms Britton, who did not attend the hearing, said in a victim impact statement: “There is a point when I know this is inappropriate and I am asking myself what is his end game here?
“Last night, for example, I didn’t sleep well, I have been worrying about it and I am considering my personal safety,” she added.
“It isn’t nice, I question my online presence. I moved to Cornwall to get away from this level of recognition and intrusion.
“This has brought back memories of being constantly chased by journalists, photographers and strange people.”
District judge Stephen Apted said Haviland caused Ms Britton “distress and anxiety” in his “prolonged campaign” of stalking.
He will need to complete a 12-month community order, which includes 12 rehabilitation sessions.
Ed Stott, defending, said Haviland developed a “celebrity crush” on Ms Britton after spotting her in north Cornwall in November 2021.
“He is embarrassed by his behaviour and he is devastated with the effect it has had on his family,” Mr Stott added.
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