A radio presenter was left “paranoid” and deeply unsettled after a persistent stalker bombarded her with messages, unsolicited gifts, and even attempted to confront her at her workplace, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard this week. The individual in question, Keaton Adams, a 51-year-old resident of Englefield Green, Surrey, fixated on Heart radio DJ Katrina Ridley over the course of several months, mistakenly believing they shared a romantic connection.
Adams’ behaviour, which spanned from November 2024 to February 2025, involved an escalating pattern of unwanted contact. Prosecutors detailed how, on one occasion in December, Adams sent an astonishing 60 messages to Ridley within just three hours. Many of these messages were described as “delusional,” expressing his affection and even referring to Ridley as “baby girl.” In one message quoted in court, Adams wrote: “I’m going to say goodnight now baby girl… I love you always.”
Beyond digital communications, Adams’ campaign extended to sending physical items intended to demonstrate his supposed devotion. Notably, Adams delivered coffee mugs to Heart radio’s Leicester Square studio in central London. Each mug was inscribed with the phrase, “I will always love you.” The gifts, prosecutors said, were just one element in a prolonged campaign that left Ridley feeling not only uncomfortable, but increasingly fearful for her safety.
Matters escalated in January, when Adams turned up at the Leicester Square studios, requesting to see Ms Ridley in person. The incident led to security concerns for both Ridley and her colleagues, as it showed the stalker’s willingness to blur the boundaries between online harassment and real-world confrontation.
The court heard that Adams contacted Ridley through both her professional and personal channels, including email and letters. Some of these communications reportedly contained bizarre claims, such as references to her having “spyware” in his home, as well as assertions that the pair would be getting married in Australia. Such behaviour, prosecutors argued, pointed to a significant detachment from reality and deep-rooted obsession.
In a statement shared with the court, Katrina Ridley spoke candidly of the immense impact Adams’ actions had on her daily life. She described feeling “unsafe and paranoid,” to the point where she no longer felt able to use public transport. The relentless stalking left her living in constant anxiety, unsure if Adams might appear in person again or escalate his behaviour further.
Adams admitted in court to one count of stalking involving serious alarm or distress. The presiding magistrates handed down a sentence of 16 weeks in custody, suspended for 18 months, meaning he will not serve time in prison unless he breaches the terms set by the court. Importantly, a restraining order was also imposed, prohibiting Adams from any form of contact with Ridley or her colleagues and barring him from visiting the Leicester Square area.
Cases such as this underline the profound psychological consequences victims of stalking can face. With technology offering new avenues for contact, the line between fan and stalker can be easily crossed, leaving public figures especially vulnerable. While Adams avoided immediate imprisonment, the court’s decision to impose a restraining order highlights the ongoing need for robust protective measures in such circumstances.
Stalking remains a serious issue both for those in the public eye and the wider community, as evidenced by the distress experienced by Ms Ridley. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of recognising and intervening in cases of obsessive, unwanted attention before they escalate further.