FERN Britton was left “disturbed and scared” after a stalker sent her flowers and moved into her holiday home, sources claim.
James Haviland, 63, of Basingstoke, Hants tracked down the TV favourite amid a “prolonged” two-year ordeal.
He last week admitted to magistrates in Cornwall that he had been stalking her.
Haviland first started by sending the former This Morning presenter cards and flowers – before he began travelling more than 200 miles to be close to her.
The 63-year-old stayed in her village near Padstow four times – and even rented out her holiday cottage.
Last September he spent a week renting the home she owns and tried to book again in November before being reported to police.
Celebrity Big Brother star Fern, 66, was said to have been left “disturbed and scared” by the two years of unwanted attention.
Last week Haviland appeared at Bodmin Magistrates’ Court where he admitted stalking without fear, alarm or distress.
The charge covered a near two-year period between November 20, 2021 and September 16, 2023.
Prosecutor Samantha Rogers named “Fern Britton, a TV personality” as his victim.
She said: “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.”
Haviland appeared in court via video link. He wore glasses and a jumper over an open-necked shirt as he confirmed he understood the charge.
JPs bailed him while a probation report was prepared ahead of sentencing at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on June 18.
The presenter moved to the out-of-the-way spot in Cornwall in 2020 after living with TV chef husband Phil Vickery in Buckinghamshire for ten years.
She said it had helped her heal after they split following 20 years of marriage, and her parents passing away.
Fern also appeared in two series of Channel 5 show My Cornwall.
How to report a stalker:
GOV.UK says contact the police if you’re being stalked – you have a right to feel safe in your home and workplace.
Stalking is illegal and can include being followed or constantly harassed by another person – for example being sent unwanted emails.
Call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.
Contact your local police if it’s not an emergency.
You can get advice from the National Stalking Helpline.
National Stalking Helpline
Telephone: 0808 802 0300
Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4pm (except Wednesday 9:30am to 8pm) National Stalking Helpline
Find out about call charges
You can also contact:
She often posts social media pictures enjoying countryside runs and beach picnics, and telling of her cosy evenings with her cat Barbara.
Mum-of-four Fern used to holiday in Cornwall as a child, then became a local reporter there in the 1980s.
She previously clashed with snapper George Bamby, who would follow and take pictures of her near her home in Holmer Green, Bucks.
Fern told her 140,000 followers on Instagram of a “distressing” encounter with the “menace”.
However, there is no suggestion Bamby actions were illegal. Fern declined to comment last night.
