Peter Shilton's wife left disgusting voicemail message by BT engineer over Liverpool anti-royal criticism
Peter Shilton's wife was left a foul-mouthed message by a BT engineeer
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Peter Shilton's wife was left a disgusting voicemail from a BT engineer after the former England goalkeeper criticised Liverpool fans.
BT engineer Adam Ledgerton targeted Stephanie Shilton after her husband had slammed fans of the club for singing anti-royal songs.
Ledgerton apparently called Shilton 'a fat Tory'.
Shilton had previously spoken to GB News in an interview with Jacob Rees-Mogg, saying: "It is sad that a small minority feel they have to do this, especially Liverpool fans.
Stephanie Shilton was shaken after BT engineer left vile voicemail
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"In my era I used to go to Anfield and it was one of the most hospitable grounds for the opposition in the country.
"As a goalkeeper you used to run down to the Kop and they all used to clap you and they used to have a fantastic sense of humour. They were known for that.
"I think they're letting themselves down and the club down by booing, certainly the King."
Liverpool fans booed and jeered when the national anthem was played before a match against Brentford.
Ledgerton reportedly went through Shilton's online biography and managed to obtain a mobile phone number.
He then rang and unleashed a disgusting rant, with Stephanie appalled by what she heard.
The report says the 53-year-old was left 'incredible distressed' by the message.
So big was the impact the couple even started being 'extra careful' when out in public in case Ledgerton turned up.
The BT engineer was tracked down but claimed he acted 'out of character and impulsively'.
Speaking at Wirral Magistrates' Court, Ledgerton pleaded guilty to sending a communication conveying a threatening message.
The 25-year-old will be sentenced at a later date.
Natasha Williamson, prosecuting, said: "Stephanie Shilton acts for her husband, a high-profile retired footballer.
"She was at her home address and received a voicemail message from the defendant who said, 'Hi Steph, if you work for Peter, can you just let him know that he is a fat Tory, a little f****** c***.
"'If I see him I will break his f***** neck and his fat Tory royal shagging c***".
"The message left her incredibly distressed and scared.
The 25-year-old will be sentenced at a later date.
Natasha Williamson, prosecuting, said: "Stephanie Shilton acts for her husband, a high-profile retired footballer.
"She was at her home address and received a voicemail message from the defendant who said, 'Hi Steph, if you work for Peter, can you just let him know that he is a fat Tory, a little f****** c***.
"'If I see him I will break his f***** neck and his fat Tory royal shagging c***".
"The message left her incredibly distressed and scared.
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"It was a result of anger and frustration."
Ledgerton's lawyer Jeremy Coleman, mitigating, said: "Mr Ledgerton is incredibly remorseful for what happened.
"He apologises to the victims and offered in interview to write a letter of apology to the victims.
'It was very much out of character for him. He works as a desk engineer for British Telecom. He provides support for BT customers. He is gainfully employed.
"Five years ago he was diagnosed with depression, which led to medication being prescribed.
"As a follow on from that he has been suffering from anxiety and anxiety attacks.
Peter Shilton starred for England during his football career
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"It seems things were posted on social media he did not agree with.
"He responded in an impulsive way and he appeared in court today.
"It will have an impact in his life going forward. He has a partner, a girlfriend who is in court, who has supported him through this, despite the foolish manner in which he behaved himself on this day.
"It was very much a one-off."
Ledgerton was bailed and will appear at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on September 1.
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