The author identified himself in the screen-grab published by Hewis. Alex Belfield has been jailed on four stalking charges (Picture: SWNS / PA) . In relation to Jeremy Vine and theatre blogger Philip Dehany, Belfield was found guilty of two lesser offences of "simple" stalking, which does not require serious alarm or distress to be proved. He told the jury he was seconds away from killing himself. @decotheatre. Then, during a broadcast at Leeds Playhouse, he asked an elderly lady what colour knickers she was wearing, resulting in the theatre boycotting the station. According to the Institute of Lawfare, lawfare is the misuse and abuse of the law for political, commercial and military ends. The full wording of the charges stated he "pursued a course of conduct that amounted to harassment" of the complainants, which "amounted to stalking" and caused them "serious alarm or distress". We were the warm-up act.. I can tell you now their proposed review will not claim responsibility nor say sorry. Both question why the corporation only really took the abuse seriously once a well-known man Vine was involved. Alex Belfield, a former BBC presenter, appears at Nottingham Crown Court, on 12 counts of stalking on July 29, 2021. But some of the complainants feel they never really got justice. News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. 'I had this naked hate being piled on me every day and I had to be funny and I had to entertain people. Bernard Spedding ignored every single correspondence. Christmas is always Belfield's busiest time of the year. "Stalking is a crime. View our online Press Pack. ): 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? 2023 BBC. Four women, past and previous BBC DJs and executives, had also accused Belfield of stalking them via email and social media, but the jury found him not guilty on those charges. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Alex Belfield has been jailed for five and a half years. He was terrified of you. The judge told Belfield that while not traditional stalking, his methods were just as effective a way of intimidating victims and in many ways much harder to deal with. The application is being followed-up in its original format, including victims from his trial, and with two more people added - who were not involved in his trial. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Alex Belfield repeatedly posted abusive social media messages after his BBC contract wasn't renewed (Picture: PA) . Launching it on 1 March this year, Belfield said he wanted to broadcast away from the toxic spectrumed trolls, lefties, fart heads & Mogadon moronic medicated mentalists & journalists. In relation to Jeremy Vine and theatre blogger Philip Dehany, he was found guilty of two lesser offences of "simple" stalking, which does not require serious alarm or distress to be proved. 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; . Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims. Belfield showed no emotion and wrote on a piece of paper as verdicts were delivered. 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". Neither had ever met him. Bernie Keith confirms hes mentally ill and in therapy March 2020. Belfield had harassed this victim, BBC Radio Northampton presenter Bernard Spedding, for nine years and some of his followers had sent him death threats. Ben Hewis refuses to engage with the police and hand over the email. In September 2001 he began his career as a radio host after joining BBC Radio Leicester. Even after YouTube stopped him making money from his channel, Belfield was still reasonably flush. 562 0 obj
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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. By the time Belfield began tormenting Dehany in 2020 he had become a successful YouTuber who could have been earning up to 528,000 a year, according to Social Blade, a website that monitors social media channels. %PDF-1.7
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Belfield, 42, who weaponised the internet, was last month found guilty at Nottingham Crown Court of waging a relentless campaign, where Mr Vine said he was subjected to an avalanche of hatred. Then began a 10-year campaign of harassment against both Breen and Green, as well as Helen Thomas, Breens line manager, who was head of regional and local programming for Yorkshire. It sent this statement: Monetisation on the Voice of Reason channel remains suspended for violating our creator responsibility policy. This is the Jimmy Savile of trolling., Likening watching Belfields videos to swimming in sewage, Mr Vine said of the defendants conduct: 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., Jurors convicted Belfield of four charges committed between 2012 and 2021. Read about our approach to external linking. 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. 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 . Recalling how he was offered counselling in 2020, the presenter told the court: 'I had three sessions before lockdown came into force. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. At first, he grew his audience with silly sketches and phone-ins, railing against government Covid policy, particularly the ban on care-home visits. Green was having none of it: I went up to him and I said: You are a grade-A wanker. She stands by that description, but came to regret making an enemy of someone who turned out to be a herculean grudge-holder. Do not sell or share my personal information. "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. Belfield, a former BBC radio presenter turned YouTube free speech advocate, was deeply sorry for the hurt he had caused, said Aubrey, after Belfield was convicted of stalking Vine and three other men online. Mr Vine also gave evidence against Belfield during the trial, as he said: "This . Stayed tuned - Alex Murdaugh's sordid tale is just getting started, Alex Murdaugh's head is shaved as he is booked into South Carolina prison fortress for weeks of evaluation before being sent to a maximum security facility housing the 'worst of the worst', At least 10 dead as wild storms lash the U.S: Tornadoes and golf ball-sized hail topples trucks and leaves one million without power in Kentucky, Alabama and Arkansas - after dumping 17 feet of snow in California, Massive gas tanker crashes in Maryland and EXPLODES into fireball killing the driver and setting local residents' homes ablaze as large plumes of black smoke and embers billow from crash site, 'I want to be a French child!' while Mr Keith said the . If you can help with mounting legal costs please email alex@alexbelfield.co.uk, Uploaded by Alex Belfield at Celebrity Radio 13th March 2020. is an English professional association football club based in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.The club was formed in the late 1870s and in 1884 they took the name Burslem Port Vale, dropping the 'Burslem' prefix in 1907. 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. hen Alex Belfield was sent to prison for five and a half years last month for online stalking, his accusers cried with relief. Member of the public 'donates' hand grenade to D-Day museum Farm Heroes Saga, the #4 Game on iTunes. I had gone to the police to make it stop and it was just getting worse. Since 2012 Belfield has focused on presenting and producing content for his website Celebrity Radio. He has been contacted 5 times to remove his outrageous claims. Sanctimonious, petulant and remorseless, taking elements of fact and twisting them to suit his own purposes while belittling his targets and monetising these distortions, even as he sat in a prison cell. A few months in, alarm bells started to ring, remembers Liz Green, who presented the lunchtime show that followed Belfields each day. Mr Vine gave evidence against Belfield, of Mapperley, Nottingham, telling jurors: This is not a regular troll here. Alex Belfield is a 42-year-old former BBC radio star and vlogger who hails from Nottinghamshire. How a failed local radio DJ with Timmy Malletts dress sense ended up making potentially hundreds of thousands of pounds broadcasting lies about his largely obscure enemies is a story that begins in 2010. 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. Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims. The final two victims who went to court and testified against Belfield were both from the theatre world. Last month, Belfield was found guilty of stalking Hewis and BBC Radio Northampton presenter Bernie Keith, and convicted of "simple" stalking - which means stalking without alarm or distress . He has also been convicted of stalking Bernie Keith and videographer Ben Hewis. ?99 WVdb5KckkVQg;E!qr
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Bernie Keith who presents mid-morning shows on BBC Radio Northampton, said former BBC Radio Leeds DJ Alex Belfield had subjected him to 'naked' hatred and false claims. Belfield came with certain baggage, not least an Ofcom reprimand four years earlier, after he had referred to a pregnant teenager on Capital Gold as a dirty little slapper and a dirty little tart. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. "There's a good chance of a custodial sentence," he added. 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. BBC Radio Northampton DJ Bernie Keith told the court he was left feeling suicidal by a tsunami of hate. 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 . Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. 'This was the darkest point of my life because there was no end to it. Former BBC DJ Belfield was jailed in September after he was found guilty of waging a relentless stalking campaign against BBC Radio Northampton's Bernie Keith, and subjecting TV presenter Jeremy . His subscriber count has dropped, but still stands at 354,000. He presents a YouTube channel called Voice of Reason, which has over 361,000 subscribers. Call Today! That he was allowed to play court reporter upset many complainants, particularly as Belfield decided not to give evidence under oath. I pleaded with him (Belfield) to stop. Alex Belfield arriving at Nottingham Crown Court on the day of his sentencing. 'I can't remember when I have had a run of good sleep of longer than five hours. Apparently jealous that Keith's BBC career carried on while his own was . While most defendants on trial try to avoid cameras on the way into court, Belfield seemed to be doing his best to attract them, wearing an array of wacky jackets and shirts. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk. 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. Giving evidence in court, Vine said: I have in the past had a physical stalker who followed me. Read about our approach to external linking. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? 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. Mr Justice Saini, sentencing, told Belfield, who sat taking notes in the dock: Your offences are so serious only a custodial sentence can be justified.. Why do the four women involved feel let down? Published: 11:08 EST, 21 July 2022 | Updated: 11:22 EST, 21 July 2022. Official YouTube stats show that www . This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Heres Celebrity Radios BBC Bernie Keith & Ben Hewis STATEMENT. alex belfield wife name. In December 2011, Belfield made his debut on BBC Radio 2 with Jimmy Savile's "last in-depth interview", recorded at Savile's Leeds home in February that year. The fact we were left unsupported from the acts of someone regarded as a prolific, now convicted, stalker is problematic. "He had to ask his family to watch out for you and to take care in and around their home address.". The fact we were asked to ignore potentially criminal evidence is an issue. 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', 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. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? 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. It was classic Belfield. That is a picnic compared to this guy. Ben Hewis intended to destroy my life, reputation and career. BBC Radio Leeds presenter Liz Green, who was harassed for 10 years by Belfield. It was on that channel that he first broadcast highly partisan court reports from his own trial, later posted to YouTube and still available to view, after persuading the judge that he was a journalist and should be given the same rights as the Nottingham Post. And what did he mean by: We will be back? 'In April last year I collapsed at my home and had to be taken to hospital. Refuses to deny he wrote the email. \Mb+r'rS~(aU\voP GCK16X0v04p62h,3 0b``f:(x3j=)\-u`IL! Belfield had denied stalking the 57-year-old, and seven other alleged victims, claiming he was the subject of a witch hunt. 918-707-5636 ohniyou ceiling fan manual. BBC Radio Northampton presenter Bernie Keith was left feeling suicidal by a "tsunami of hate", the trial heard. 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. "You made this highly successful and confident radio presenter lose all joy in life and turned him into a shell.". The respondent has carried out acts associated with stalking; The respondent poses a risk of stalking to a person; and, There is reasonable cause to believe the proposed order is necessary to protect the other person from that risk. Belfield became known across theatres as someone who would throw a tantrum if he didnt get the press tickets he wanted. Finally, respite from what for some had been a decade of near-constant abuse. Each of them suffered a campaign of harassment by email and social media communications. She was looking for a new presenter to liven up the mid-morning show and thought Belfield, who was working for BBC Hereford and Worcester, was the man for the job. Prosecutor John McGuinness QC told Nottingham Crown Court that Alex Belfield's lies had a "devastating effect" on Bernie Keith, who presents the mid-morning show on the BBC station . The TV presenter labelled him the Jimmy Savile of trolling during the trial, which heard he repeatedly posted or sent abusive messages, videos and emails. Mr Justice Saini had sentenced Belfield to two-and-a-half years for stalking one of the complainants, Bernie Keith. He added there was no escape for Belfields victims, until bail conditions were imposed ahead of his trial. Close Belfield-watchers believe his lurch to the right was a business decision rather than an ideological one. "Despite four women not securing guilty verdicts, today's custodial sentences are a welcome relief," she wrote.