A jury has been sworn in at Birmingham Crown Court to try Peter Windsor, a 61-year-old man accused of stalking television and radio presenter Myleene Klass. Windsor, from Mary Road, Stechford, denies sending unwanted letters and fancy dress outfits including Catwoman and police officer costumes to the former Hear'Say singer.
Windsor faces a second stalking charge relating to Klass's colleague, Classic FM radio presenter Katie Breathwick. The prosecution alleges both charges caused the women "serious alarm or distress" through items sent via the postal network.
Alleged campaign details
The court heard Windsor allegedly targeted Breathwick over an extended period from March 2020 to December 2023. He is accused of sending letters to her workplace along with binoculars, running shoes, a bottle of champagne and a stamp collection.
The charges relating to Klass cover a shorter timeframe between November 2023 and August 2024. Windsor allegedly sent her unwanted letters, fancy dress outfits, shoes and jewellery during this period.
Court proceedings begin
A jury of ten men and two women was sworn in on Monday to try the case. Judge Tom Rochford warned jurors against conducting online research about the "well-known" complainants during proceedings.
"It's really especially important that you don't do any research into them or this case in any way while the trial is going on," the judge told the jury.
Mental health defence
Judge Rochford indicated the trial would hear evidence from psychiatrists regarding Windsor's mental state. "The defendant says he was insane at the time," the judge said, referencing the possibility of a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity.
Prosecution barrister Timothy Sapwell is expected to open the case against Windsor on Monday afternoon.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
