A neighbour of comedian Joe Lycett has been convicted of stalking following a distressing four-month harassment campaign that included sending a death threat and repeatedly loitering outside the entertainer's Birmingham home. Sam Egerton, a 34-year-old former England Sevens rugby player and Oxford law graduate, was found guilty at Birmingham Magistrates' Court yesterday after a series of abusive social media posts and intimidating behaviour directed at Lycett.
Threatening Messages and Intimidating Behaviour
The court heard how Egerton, who discovered he lived on the same street as the comedian, began targeting Lycett with a torrent of disturbing messages on the social media platform X. In one particularly alarming post, Egerton wrote: 'You are in the deepest hell, you will die very soon.' The messages escalated to include references to Lycett's baby and revealed the name of the street where both men resided, significantly increasing the comedian's concerns for his family's safety.
Mr Lycett told the court that the situation became particularly unsettling when he locked eyes with Egerton while putting his baby in the car. 'It confirmed someone was watching me,' the comedian testified, describing how this encounter heightened his anxiety about the ongoing harassment.
Early Morning Disturbances and Courtroom Outbursts
Ring doorbell footage presented as evidence captured Egerton shouting outside Lycett's house in the early hours of the morning, adding to the pattern of intimidating behaviour. During the court proceedings, Egerton was nearly thrown out of the dock for repeatedly interrupting and had to be screened off from the comedian by a black curtain. Judge Ikram issued a 'final warning' to the defendant after several outbursts, during which Egerton claimed Lycett was 'enjoying' the court process.
The former rugby player, who represented Newcastle Falcons and England Sevens at the 2016 World Sevens Series, told the court about his mental health struggles. Egerton revealed he had been 'sectioned' previously and felt suicidal, describing his behaviour as stemming from 'compulsive tweeting' and an 'addictive compulsion.'
Comedian's Response and Concerns
Despite the distressing nature of the harassment, Joe Lycett expressed compassion toward his stalker during proceedings. The 37-year-old comedian, famous for presenting The Great British Sewing Bee and activist stunts including legally changing his name to Hugo Boss in protest, told the court he had 'no ill will' towards Egerton. He expressed hope that the defendant would be 'looked after' rather than 'locked up,' though he acknowledged serious concerns for his family's security.
'Naturally the fact I'm here means I feel there's some concern for my safety or the safety of my family,' Lycett testified. 'I don't want to be here, I don't want to have to go through this process. I'm concerned for Mr Egerton and his wellbeing, I want him to be supported and looked after and I ideally want some sort of system, such as a restraining order to keep him away from me for my security.'
Pattern of Harassment and Police Involvement
The court heard how the harassment began in the summer of last year when Lycett, who had lived at his Kings Heath address in south Birmingham for nearly ten years without incident, first noticed Egerton's posts. Despite police issuing an order for Egerton to leave the comedian alone, the defendant continued his campaign. In one message, Egerton boasted he was 'making Joe Lycett hop about like he can't live his life' – something the comedian described as feeling genuinely threatening.
Egerton described himself as the 'top dog' on the street in another post and claimed Lycett was 'rattled' after messages about seeing the comedian's family. The harassment culminated in a January post where Egerton wrote: 'As soon as I see him in the courtroom I'm going to shout as loud as I possibly can.'
Confession and Sentencing
During proceedings, Egerton confessed to posting 'terribly nasty' things but claimed he did not mean them, stating: 'I wanted to see if he was man enough to let me know this was rattling.' He denied being jealous of Lycett's success, saying he had 'no desire' to be famous or have anything to do 'with anyone within the Satanic cult.'
Judge Ikram expressed concern about Egerton's statements during the trial and emphasised the need for probation support. 'You have said things during the course of these proceedings that have caused me some concern. I want you to work with the probation officer,' the judge told the defendant.
Egerton has been granted bail with conditions prohibiting contact with Mr Lycett or visiting the road where the comedian lives. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 24, with the court considering both the seriousness of the offences and the defendant's mental health needs.
