🚨 **Stalker Alert: Fan’s Unwanted Attention** 🚨
A 71-year-old man, Phil Appleton, has been ordered to stay away from beloved actress Anna Friel. Over an astonishing three-year period, Appleton bombarded the actress with messages, appeared at her home multiple times, and even left her “unwanted” gifts. The startling details emerged at Reading Crown Court, where it’s been revealed that Appleton has a fixation on Friel.
Appleton, who hails from Windsor, Berkshire, has already pleaded guilty to stalking under Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. This shocking case has even seen him held in custody for half a year and spending time in a mental health facility. A psychiatrist diagnosed him with bipolar disorder and erotomania—a delusional belief that someone is in love with him.
Ahead of his sentencing, now scheduled for 18th September, Judge Alan Blake has adjourned the proceedings to allow for a pre-sentence report. While on conditional bail, Appleton mustn’t contact Friel, enter the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, and must co-operate with the report process.
Friel, known for her breakout role in Channel 4’s *Brookside*, achieved further fame internationally with shows like *Pushing Daisies* and as the award-winning star of *Marcella*.
Stay tuned for more updates on this ongoing situation.