Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Infatuated churchgoer is Britain’s ‘oldest stalker’ aged 88
A CHURCHGOER aged 88 has become Britain’s oldest stalker.
Widower Frank Chadwick became infatuated with accountant Sheila Thompson, 54, after his wife died just before their 50th wedding anniversary.
But after the pair had a cup of tea together, Chadwick, who is MUM-TO-BE Christine Lampard is being lined up to cover for Holly Willoughby on This Morning’s sofa while she co-hosts I’m A Celebrity. The 39-year-old – who presented Dancing on Ice with
Phillip Schofield – is due to give birth to her first child with husband Frank any day.
But ITV bosses, and Phil hope
Christine will cut short maternity leave to join him on This Morning while Holly goes
Down Under for around six weeks from November.
It is expected that, if she agrees, Christine will share the role with another presenter to partner Phil. One insider said: “Christine is the natural first choice because she and Phil work so well together both on and off screen. Everyone has their fingers crossed because she’s such a lovely partially deaf, began hounding Miss Thompson over two years.
The pensioner asked if he could volunteer at a community centre where she worked and began following her to church.
He also began hand-delivering cards, letters and gifts to her home in Salford, Gtr Manchester. Chadwick was reported to police after being seen repeatedly lurking around her cul-de-sac.
In a statement Miss Thompson said: “Due to his behaviour I’m still keeping the blinds shut as he could see me if I sat in my chair.
“When I approach my house, I check I have my keys ready and check he is not lurking. I avoid answering the phone or door unless I know who it is.”
At Manchester magistrates court, Chadwick, of Westhoughton, near Bolton, pleaded guilty. He was banned from contacting her and conditionally discharged, both for 18 months.