Television and radio presenter Kate Thornton was left feeling 'terrified' after a stalker subjected her to a relentless campaign of harassment over several months. James McCamley, 53, from Glasgow, Scotland, has now been sentenced for his actions, which included sending the former X Factor host approximately 6,000 texts and emails over a five-month period.
Relentless Campaign of Harassment
The court heard how McCamley's messages were often 'sexual in nature', creating a deeply unsettling atmosphere for the 52-year-old broadcaster. Despite living hundreds of miles away in Scotland, McCamley travelled to London to confront Thornton at her workplace, demonstrating the extent of his obsession.
Security Measures Implemented
Following these disturbing incidents, the radio station where Thornton works was forced to implement enhanced security protocols. Staff members were provided with McCamley's photograph and instructed to avoid him if he appeared on the premises again. The situation became so concerning that prosecutors described it as 'a relentless, obsessive stalking' case.
Prosecutor Edward Aydin told Highbury Corner Magistrates Court: "The two women fear him. It's a relentless, obsessive stalking. They are seeking restraining orders."
Court Outcome and Community Order
McCamley, a father-of-four, admitted to two charges of stalking during the legal proceedings. Rather than receiving a custodial sentence, he was handed a 12-month community order and walked free from court. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by public figures who become targets of obsessive behaviour from members of the public.
Thornton's Career and Personal Challenges
Kate Thornton, who gained prominence as the first host of The X Factor from 2004 to 2006, has enjoyed a successful broadcasting career spanning television and radio. She has appeared on programmes including Loose Women, This Morning, and Lorraine, while more recently hosting shows on BBC Radio 2 and Greatest Hits Radio.
Despite her professional achievements, Thornton has faced significant personal challenges throughout her career. She has spoken openly about receiving inappropriate comments regarding her appearance during her time on The X Factor, including being told to lose weight despite being a size eight at the time.
Thorndon recalled on a podcast: "I was a size eight at the time. They offered me an all-expenses paid [trip] to a retreat where I could go and lose weight - and possibly get my freckles bleached because they were, 'Quite annoying on camera'."
The presenter, who has discussed being a recovered anorexic, responded defiantly to these suggestions, explaining that she takes pride in how she handled such situations. She has also spoken about the humiliation of being publicly replaced on The X Factor by music mogul Simon Cowell, describing it as a painful experience that required significant personal processing.
This stalking case represents another difficult chapter for the broadcaster, demonstrating that even successful media personalities remain vulnerable to targeted harassment that can profoundly impact their sense of security and wellbeing.
