Radio presenter Kate Thornton has been left terrified after being bombarded with over 6,000 texts and emails by a 'relentless and obsessive' stalker. The 52-year-old broadcaster and her colleague Mary Mandefield were targeted over a five-month campaign of harassment.
Court Hears of 'Relentless' Campaign
Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court was told that James McCamley, 53, from Glasgow, subjected both women to a torrent of messages, many of a sexual nature, sent directly to the radio station. Prosecutor Edward Aydin stated, 'The two women fear him. It’s a relentless, obsessive stalking.'
The court heard the influx of communications placed the presenters 'on tenterhooks'. McCamley's fixation escalated when he travelled to the London studios bearing gifts, including bottles of wine, and waited in reception for two hours.
Safety Measures and Legal Action
The alarming incident prompted an immediate increase in security at the station. Both Thornton and Mandefield were forced to alter their routes home due to genuine fears for their personal safety.
In response, both women are now seeking formal restraining orders against McCamley. The stalker admitted two charges related to stalking and was remanded in custody last year. He is scheduled to be sentenced this week.
Kate Thornton's Career in Spotlight
Kate Thornton is best known as the original host of ITV's The X Factor when it launched in 2004, a role she held for two years before being replaced by Dermot O'Leary. She has previously described the manner of her departure as 'humiliating', expressing hurt that Simon Cowell was not 'upfront' with her.
Beginning her career as a showbiz journalist for titles like the Sunday Times, she later anchored ITV's Loose Women from 2009 to 2011. Thornton joined Greatest Hits Radio in 2022, where she hosts a Sunday show and recently took over the weekday afternoon slot. She also runs her own podcast, White Wine Question Time.
The case highlights the severe impact of stalking on public figures, disrupting their professional environment and personal lives. The outcome of the sentencing is awaited as the victims seek legal protection from further harassment.
