Man, 68, admits threat to rape BBC presenter
A PENSIONER yesterday admitted sending chilling messages to a regional TV news presenter threatening to rape and stalk her.
Gordon Hawthorn, 68, posted cards to Alex Lovell, who works for BBC Points West, over six years.
But at the beginning of 2016, they became increasingly sexual and threatening.
In one card, sent on Valentine’s Day, the message read: “Lots of love and kisses on Valentine’s Day to my sexy little... from your long-time secret admirer who has now become your stalker.”
Another message read: “I hope to be with you very soon. Lots of love and kisses from your stalker and your rapist.” Yesterday Hawthorn, of Street, Somerset, appeared before Bristol magistrates, where he admitted sending the cards to Ms Lovell, 45.
Chairwoman of the bench Dr Nancy North told Hawthorn he would have to be sentenced by a Crown Court judge in January.
She added: “The offence that we have before us is so serious that you need a greater punishment than we can give you.”
Ms Lovell said after the hearing: “He stole two years of my freedom with his persistent threats of rape.
“He repeatedly described how he would attack me. Nowhere felt safe and every day I would look over my shoulder wondering if he was as near as he said he was.”