CHERYL & KIMBERLEY COMFORT NICOLA AFTER HER STALKING HELL
Following five years of hell at the hands of her twisted stalker ex-boyfriend, insiders say Nicola Roberts is rebuilding her life with the help of her former bandmates
irls Aloud singer G Nicola Roberts’ ex-boyfriend was given a lifetime restraining order last week, after putting her through a terrifying five-year ordeal, during which he stalked and bombarded her with 3,000 threatening messages.
Former soldier Carl Davies, 39 – who dated Nicola for 18 months before their split in 2008 – threatened to stab and burn the singer, 31, after setting up 35 fake social media accounts in a campaign that lasted from 2012 until his arrest this year.
While Nicola never replied to the disturbing messages, she took screen shots of them until Davies started targeting her friend – R’N’B singer Joel Compass – which prompted Nicola to contact the police.
HAUNTED
In a victim impact statement read out in court, a clearly haunted Nicola said she felt like she was “walking on eggshells” during their relationship, adding: “The messages he sent reminded me of all the terrible things that happened when we were together.” Davies was handed a 15-month prison sentence, suspended for two years – which means he was immediately released from jail having been on remand since February, but cannot contact or go near Nicola or her family. As she tries to rebuild her life following what she described to
❛SHE WOULD LOVE TO SETTLE DOWN AND HAVE BABIES LIKE HER FRIENDS❜
pals as ‘five years of hell,’ insiders say Nicola is leaning on best friends and former bandmates Kimberley Walsh, 35, and new mum Cheryl, 33, for support.
A source says: “Nicola’s still extremely shaken and the nightmare of the past few years has taken its toll.
“While she’s relieved that Carl can no longer contact her, she’s still fearful that he’ll break his restraining order and she’s jumpy and on edge, which is understandable given what she’s been through. She prefers not to be alone, so is having family or friends stay over at her home.
“Kimberley and Cheryl have been her rocks and she’s spent a lot of time at their homes in the past few months – she even joked that she could stay at Cheryl’s and be baby Bear’s fulltime nanny!
TRAUMATIC
“Cheryl suggested meditation to help calm her nerves and ease her anxiety – which she swore by following her divorce from Ashley [Cole] in 2010. Nicola has really been benefiting from that in addition to yoga sessions to deal with the after-affects of her traumatic experience.”
Davies’ disturbing messages to Nicola ranged from declarations of love to threats of violence.
Among messages sent to Joel – who Nicola has worked with in the past – Davies wrote: “I hope you appreciate your girlfriend while it lasts,” alongside knife emojis.
Nicola also received bouquets of flowers sent via her manager’s office.
Davies, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), was ordered to pay £800 in costs and a £100 victim surcharge, as well as carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and complete a 60-day rehab facility.
TURNING POINT
However, friends say Nicola – who dated boat seller Charlie Fennell from 2008 to 2014 – is now ready to move on and find love again.
A source says: “She would love to settle down and have babies like her friends and she’s hoping this can be a turning point to finally get the happy ever after she deserves.”
Nicola has revealed in the past that she needs a man who is understanding and encouraging of her career. She said: “I think it’s important you’re with somebody that is supportive of what you do. When you’re passionate about your career, you love it as much as you love another person.”