Stalker of Marcella Star Anna Friel to Face Sentencing in Coming Month
Phil Appleton, a 71-year-old man from Windsor, Berkshire, will be sentenced on September 18, 2025, after pleading guilty to stalking actress Anna Friel. The stalking occurred over nearly three years, from January 2022 to December last year.
Appleton, who was described online as an actor and retired pilot, sent numerous messages and visited Friel's home address several times. He also left unwanted gifts during this period.
Friel, a British actress, rose to fame with her role as Beth Jordache in Channel 4 soap opera Brookside. She achieved international renown in 2007, starring as Charlotte "Chuck" Charles in the ABC comedy series Pushing Daisies.
Appleton was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and erotomania, a condition in which a person falsely believes another is in love with them. As a result, he was granted conditional bail, with restrictions including no contact with Friel and no entering the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
The hearing was adjourned until September 18 to allow a pre-sentence report to be carried out. Appleton admitted stalking under Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
Appleton has been in custody for six months. Prior to that, he spent time in a mental health facility. The sentencing will determine his future and the consequences of his actions against Friel.
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- The sentencing of Phil Appleton, a man with a history of stalking celebrities, will initiate on September 18, 2025, as he has admitted his guilt under Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, following his stalking of British actress Anna Friel over nearly three years. This incident fall under the category of both general-news and crime-and-justice.
- Despite citing bipolar disorder and erotomania as contributing factors, Appleton's actions have heavily impacted Friel, who gained international fame from her role in Pushing Daisies and previously played Beth Jordache in Brookside. His case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of stalking and the significant role it plays in entertainment news.
