Fern Britton stalker avoids jail time after court hears how presenter left 'distressed' over ordeal
Britton was stalked by Haviland who was sentenced on Monday
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Fern Britton's convicted stalker has avoided jail after appearing in court over a number of instances involving the presenter.
Britton, 66, was the target of a "prolonged campaign" in which James Haviland, 63, reportedly drove more than 200 miles to stay in her holiday home.
Haviland pleaded guilty to stalking the former This Morning host without fear, alarm or distress.
The incidents happened between November 20, 2021, and September 16, 2023, in the Wadebridge area.
Haviland stayed in Britton's cottage she rented out in Cornwall in September last year before making another booking for November.
He had also stayed there in 2022 on three occasions and sent "unwanted" flowers to the TV personality.
Haviland pleaded guilty and was issued a community order
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Sentencing Haviland, Judge Stephen Apted of Basingstoke Magistrates' Court said he caused the presenter "distress and anxiety" in the "prolonged campaign" of stalking behaviour.
He issued a restraining order as well as a 12-month community order which requires Haviland to complete 12 rehabilitation sessions and 150 hours of unpaid work, according to The Independent.
Earlier this year, Britton was back on screens as she took part in Celebrity Big Brother.
Like the other contestants, Britton was accused of "game playing" on the reality show, but former Strictly Come Dancing star James Jordan jumped to her defence at the time.
Britton appeared on Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year
ITV
Former Strictly professional Jordan, 45, quickly complained that Big Brother had "thrown Fern under the bus".
Taking to X, where he often shares his strong opinions on TV shows among other things, he penned: "Big Brother threw Fern under the bus asking her to put the snake in someone’s bed.
"Especially because everyone knows apart from Louis. In my opinion that was a poor game played by BB Fern is lovely."
He continued to fight in the presenter's corner as other viewers criticised her, responding directly to comments on the social media site.
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The ordeal caused Britton 'stress and anxiety'
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Following her appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, her ex-husband Phil Vickery talked about "messing up something good" in a cryptic social media post.
Posting on his Instagram story – which has since been deleted - it read: "A lot of people mess up something good by looking for something better, to end up with something worse."
The couple announced their divorce in 2020 and shared a joint statement saying: "After more than 20 happy years together, Phil and I have decided to go our separate ways.
"We will always share a great friendshipand our lovely children. We would appreciate it if our privacy is respected at this time. Thank you for your continued kindness and support."