71-Year-Old Stalker Banned from Contacting Anna Friel and Daughter

SHOCKING STALKER STORY: Anna Friel's Terrifying 3-Year Ordeal

In a jaw-dropping turn of events, a 71-year-old stalker who had a disturbing fixation on actress Anna Friel has been ordered not to contact the star or her adorable daughter, Gracie. Phil Appleton, a pensioner from Windsor in Berkshire, pleaded guilty to stalking without serious alarm or distress earlier this week and is now facing sentencing next month.

But what's even more chilling is that Appleton had pursued his bizarre obsession with Friel for almost three years, sending unwanted emails, attending her home address, and leaving creepy gifts. The actress first rose to fame in the 90s as part of Channel 4's groundbreaking show Brookside, which featured the first on-screen lesbian kiss.

Friel, who currently stars in the harrowing BBC drama Unforgivable, has spoken out about her terrifying ordeal with Appleton. Sources close to the actress reveal that she was left feeling shaken and vulnerable by his constant pursuit. "Anna is absolutely relieved that this case is finally coming to a head," says an insider. "She's been living in fear of running into him at a 'health club' they both attended, which added to her anxiety."

In court on Thursday, it emerged that Appleton had been diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder and, more disturbingly, erotomania - a paranoid condition characterized by delusions of another person being infatuated with them. "Mr. Appleton will require close monitoring by mental health professionals," Judge Alan Blake noted. "He has not confirmed that Mr. Appleton's fixation on the complainant in this case will necessarily resolve."

Friel, who is currently dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic storyline in Unforgivable, which explores the devastating impact of family abuse, was unable to attend the court hearing last week due to her busy filming schedule. Her team had requested permission for her and Gracie to give evidence by video link, citing "genuine fear and distress" at the prospect of facing Appleton.

But despite his guilty plea, Appleton's lawyer argued that his client was not a high-risk offender. James Bloomer KC claimed that Appleton had been on bail conditions in 2023 for several months without breaching them and would accept a lifelong restraining order to keep Friel and her daughter safe.

However, Judge Blake was unconvinced by this argument, pointing out that the psychiatrist's report suggested Appleton's behavior was unlikely to change. "It is plain that on a number of occasions, Mr. Appleton has indicated that he does not think he is unwell or needs to take his medication and has desisted in so doing," the judge noted.

In a shocking twist, it emerged that Appleton had been trying to stay at an address in France while out on bail, but Judge Blake refused this request, ordering him instead to reside with his mother in Haverhill, Suffolk. Appleton will also be fitted with an electronic monitoring tag to ensure he adheres to the strict conditions of his bail.

As for Friel and her daughter, they are said to be breathing a sigh of relief now that Appleton's case is finally coming to a close. "Anna and Gracie have been through hell," says an insider. "They're just grateful it's all over and they can move on with their lives."

The case has sparked concerns about the impact of stalking on victims, particularly in cases where mental health issues are involved. As the judge noted, Appleton's behavior was a stark reminder that stalkers come in all shapes and sizes - and it's not just young men who are capable of this kind of obsessive behavior.

Friel and her team have been praised for their courage in speaking out about the trauma they've endured at the hands of Appleton. The actress has used her platform to raise awareness about stalking and its devastating impact on victims, and this latest case is a stark reminder that no one is immune to this kind of abuse.

As for Appleton, he will be sentenced on September 18th, where he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.