I am pleased that he has now been held accountable for this actions and hope that this verdict serves as a warning to others who think they can behave in this way without consequence. "As a whisteblower of the BBC, I was there for 15 years and I saw where the bodies are buried, if you like, and I saw where they waste money.". He said many of the emails he sent to the BBC were freedom of information (FOI) requests, which he sent for legitimate reasons as a journalist. In response, the BBC press office said the corporation wanted "to learn" from what happened. Consequently we will be making no further comment at this time., Mr Belfield told the Sunday Express: The cover up by the corrupt BBC and Nottingham Police continues as this proves, I cant wait to see the disgraceful Chief Constable and his lying officers in the High Court and expose, in entirety, his forces ineptitude, harassment and pure incompetence., Referring to the Princess Diana interview scandal where a report by retired judge Lord Dyson revealed the BBC had tricked her and subsequently covered up, he added: Clearly, after the events of this week - the BBC is already exposed as the despicable, vile and seemingly shameless organisation it is. Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on Friday (September 16), Belfield was given a total of five years and 26 weeks in prison, of which he will serve half, on all four charges he was convicted of. Alex Belfield - The Voice Of Reason Live. "I am a journalist who is instinctively going to upset people by the nature of what I do," he said. She says his abuse was ferocious and relentless. Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday (June 30), Watkinson, of Recreation Drive, Shirebrook, was jailed for a total of 25 years. The message was in reference to 1,000 which the BBC donated to a memorial fund for a radio executive who had been friends with Mr Vine, and Mr Belfield publicly accused Mr Vine of "stealing" the money. On Friday, 16 September, Belfield, was jailed for five years and 26 weeks. Read about our approach to external linking. Later she referred to it in her evidence as, "a hurtful parody" and "parodying me", "transphobic", and "hurtful at the same time". "The longest periods of abuse were suffered by Ms Breen, Ms Thomas and Ms Green. Is climate change killing Australian wine? Heartbreaking family struggles faced by crime boss who 'messed up', CCTV images released after 'man chased with weapon in street', Serviceman killed after head on collision with bus, Julie Bindel raises nearly 40,000 in bid to sue Nottingham City Council, Nottingham man appears in court charged with murder of 11-year-old boy, Stephanie Hirst, pictured during a radio industry awards ceremony (Lia Toby/PA). "Their lives were absolutely ruined and disrupted and the BBC gave no support, no help at all. The Centre is part of a particularly dynamic ecosystem, within the second French . Also mentioned in the agreed facts was an internal BBC email, in which Mr Belfield was deemed to present "no personal danger" to another complainant, Bernard Spedding, or any other BBC staff. "[8] The judge noted that while Belfield acknowledged the distress he caused the victims, he showed more concern during the proceedings about being treated unfairly and how the process impacted him (Belfield) personally. The Court of Appeal has confirmed Belfield has made an application for permission to appeal his sentence, but said this is "still in the very early stages of the process". Mr Sheerman said he and other MPs would now be campaigning for an independent inquiry looking at the Belfield case, and perhaps the treatment of other BBC staff who have been harassed. "From his very first email and in the majority of communications thereafter, he used my wife and children as his main weapon to terrify, intimidate and blackmail me," he wrote. Alex Belfield arriving for his trial at Nottingham Crown Court. or. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Alex Belfield: Former BBC presenter 'stalked fellow broadcasters' He gave jurors an example of the BBC's booking system for train tickets, saying it would cost about 150 to book a ticket via this, when he could purchase a first class ticket for the same journey himself at the cost of only 32. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. To protect the history, the street even has it's own historical group known as the Mill Gate Conservation Group. However, Mr Belfield told jurors he had resigned "because they didn't want to give me more money, which is fine". Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? But do you remember, it wasn't to do with me?" Thomas Watkinson was arrested in 2019 following historic allegations, Never miss a crime story with our free email updates. Alex Belfield arriving for his trial at Nottingham Crown Court (Image: PA) She replied from the witness box: "Absolutely, it was a parody of me". Ms Hirst then heard the broadcast. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. The issue has been raised in a letter to Home Secretary Priti Patel by North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen who is concerned that Mr Belfield is a victim of attempts to silence him and curtail his free speech. 'Calculating' paedophile who targeted young girls over two decades The court heard the original application was amended to add two more people who did not form part of the criminal trial. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Broadcaster Alex Belfield arrested FIVE times and strip - Express Labour MP Barry Sheerman is calling for an independent inquiry into how the BBC treated female staff who were harassed online by Belfield. Did this woman die because her genitals were cut? However, it was decided that the monitoring should not continue, because the emails were "inoffensive", "non-threatening", and Mr Belfield was deemed to pose "no risk to BBC staff". Belfield's career began as an entertainer in Nottingham at the age of 14. In relation to Ms Green there were hundreds of emails. Read about our approach to external linking. The prosecution said the YouTuber's stalking was more akin to 'internet trolling' than physical stalking, sending emails, tweets or making videos and subjecting victims to harassment and abuse - some of them over the course of many years. The judge made restraining orders on the four victims: Bernard Spedding (also known as Bernie Keith), Ben Hewis, Philip Dehany and Jeremy Vine. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. "For him to associate me with Jimmy Savile is unthinkable.". My confidence in what I do and who I am is eroded, and I feel let down by my employer.". He also said that only 29 emails were produced as evidence by the prosecution. The arrest was the fifth time Mr Belfield has been arrested by Nottinghamshire Police in the last 18 months after a series of complaints made against him by the BBC or its employees. Belfield went on to create his own online show called "The Voice of Reason" on YouTube to promote his anti-establishment ideology. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk. The latest Nottingham Forest news as the Leeds board are said to have been in discussions following the 4-1 defeat against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday. Mr Belfield also criticised Mr Vine for describing him in court as "the Jimmy Savile of trolling". Jeremy Vine arriving at Nottingham Crown Court in July. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. I want to encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse to come forward and report it to us. Detectives from Nottinghamshire Police conducted an in-depth investigation and charged Watkinson with a range of sexual offences committed against three girls under the age of 14 years. Former BBC presenter found guilty of stalking, Alleged stalker 'is victim of BBC witch-hunt', Jeremy Vine tells trial of 'avalanche of hatred', BBC boss 'terrified by radio host's stalking', Ex-BBC presenter 'stalked fellow broadcasters', Nottinghamshire firefighters get trauma packs in response to Manchester Arena inquiry, Illegal weapon found under sink in search for suspect, New recruit Sarah set to open the doors to Ashfield companys growth, Worksop pub and kitchen plans fun day to celebrate King's coronation, Russia launches missile attacks on Ukraine, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies, Air strikes pound Sudan capital as truce extended. He warned him he could then be recalled to prison if he commits a further offence. Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Mr Belfield until Nottinghamshire Police became involved in late . The former BBC radio presenter was jailed for five-and-a-half years after being convicted in September. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk. His trial heard he made YouTube videos about them, posted messages on social media, sent emails, and also encouraged his followers to target them. 5 Rue De La Republique, Grenoble, Isere, 38000. "To be spoken about publicly can be alarming or distressing, but it doesn't mean it's untrue," he said. Read about our approach to external linking. Man dies in serious crash that closed road for hours, Almost 1,000 damage caused to car in eight months on town centre road, "There are always cars parked without permits which leads to a severe lack of parking and an extremely busy street". READ MORE:Jeremy Vine suffered 'Olympic level' stalking by former radio presenter Alex Belfield, court hears. Because Mr Belfield was not giving evidence, some of the claims he made during his closing speech could not be challenged by the prosecution by way of cross-examination. Alex Belfield, 42, from Nottingham, claims the BBC and police colluded in order to get him arrested. Watkinson denied that any of the offences had happened and claimed his accusers were making them up. Two days have been set aside to hear the application at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on March 7. INRAE center Clermont-Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes May Bank Holiday supermarket opening times for Aldi, Asda, Lidl, Tesco and more, Leeds United considering major decision in Nottingham Forest relegation fight. VideoThe secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, LGBT troops take love for Eurovision to front line, Why an Indian comedian is challenging fake news rules. Alex Belfield - The Voice Of Reason Live Yesterday at 10:56 AM Day 13 Court Report R v Alex Belfield BBC Northampton DJ Berna . @celebrityradio. However, he said it "all went wrong" when he went to work at BBC Radio Leeds. Alex Belfield latest: who is the Voice of Reason YouTuber - and what he The judge said that while Belfield did not physically approach or watch his victims, the effects were just as damaging. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. The latest Nottingham Forest news as the Leeds board are said to have been in discussions following the 4-1 defeat against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday. Belfield denies all the charges and the trial continues. Mr Belfield told the jurors that the BBC was trying to "shut me up" because he had been saying things that were "inconvenient truths". "People who claim I was stalking them were actively seeking out my content. Ms Green, who worked with Belfield at BBC Radio Leeds, said on Wednesday: "My mental health has been destroyed. I sincerely hope that Belfield learns from this experience and refrains from ever acting in this way again. Is climate change killing Australian wine? This could be the next big scandal to hit the BBC.. [3] He used the channel to promote his anti-establishment and right-wing ideology,[5] broadcasting from home in the Mapperley area of Nottingham. TV is dead long live Alex. Video, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, asked the BBC for an independent review or investigation, Explosion derails train in Russian border region, Banana artwork in Seoul museum eaten by visitor, Trump says 'great to be home' on visit to Scotland, NFL player's daughter, aged two, drowns in pool, Father tells how gunman opened fire on Texas home, Trevelyan relative 'would consider' famine payment, JP Morgan snaps up troubled US bank First Republic. I am a great, passionate supporter of public broadcasting but what these women have suffered from the BBC is unacceptable.". Ms Breen tweeted that she was glad to finally have justice after 10 years. The letter complains that Mr Belfield was unlawfully arrested, subsequently assaulted and wrongly detained for a period of about six hours.. Former DJ turned Youtube star sues police over BBC allegations 2023 BBC. In relation to the women, the judge said: "Each of them suffered a campaign of harassment by email and social media communications. However, a spokesman for Nottinghamshire Police said: Mr Bellfield remains subject of a live criminal investigation. A calculating paedophile who sexually abused young girls over the space of two decades has been jailed for 25 years. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. See them all in court.. He later described his time at Radio Leeds as "the worst year of my life". Stalking Rozina Breen between 25 November 2012 and 31 March 2021, Stalking Liz Green between 25 November 2012 and 31 March 2021, Stalking Helen Thomas between 25 November 2012 and 31 March 2021, Stalking Stephanie Hirst between 1 June 2017 and 31 March 2021, Stalking Bernard Spedding between 25 November 2012 and 31 March 2021, Stalking Ben Hewis between 29 September 2019 and 31 March 2021, Stalking Philip Dehany between 3 November 2019 and 31 March 2021, Stalking Jeremy Vine between 1 April 2020 and 31 March 2021. However, Mr Belfield told jurors he was in fact bullied by Ms Green and said he was "the victim". CONFIRMED DC - Alex Belfield - The Voice Of Reason Live | Facebook "You were not a whistleblower in any sense but developed a fixation with pursuing Mr Vine with a campaign of abuse," the judge said. Over the four week trial, the court heard how the former presenter was set about undermining the career of a former colleague with hurtful and untrue comments Belfield directed via email, social media and via his YouTube channel, following a series of workplace disputes. The so-called witch hunt has been orchestrated in collusion with the BBC and Nottingham police according to Belfield, who have extended the presenter's bail "illegally". Nobody wants to be caught out.". I am delighted that we have been able to get justice for these women. He said that a witch-hunt against him had been orchestrated by the BBC in collusion with Nottinghamshire Police. Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Express. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? "He now has developed the insight that he didn't have before," Mr Aubrey said. He appeared at the Crown Court on 4 November for a case management hearing and stood trial on 4 July 2022. The verdicts in relation to each complainant, in the order they appeared on the indictment, were: In mitigation, barrister David Aubrey KC said Belfield had not intended to cause his victims distress, but could now see that he had. Thomas Watkinson, 60, was arrested in 2019 after a number of historic allegations were made against him. In relation to Jeremy Vine and theatre blogger Philip Dehany, Belfield was found guilty of two lesser offences of "simple" stalking, which does not require serious alarm or distress to be proved. Judges are able to vary sentences under section 385 of the Sentencing Act 2020, but the judge decided not to. Did this woman die because her genitals were cut? Smirking Alex Belfield who made 'other people's lives a misery' Although jurors found Belfield not guilty of stalking Liz Green, Rozina Breen, Helen Thomas and Stephanie Hirst, Mr Justice Saini said Belfield had harassed them, and he made restraining orders to protect them in future. The Clermont-Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes Centre brings together the units located in the Auvergne region, from Bourbonnais to Aurillac via Clermont-Ferrand, with 14 research units and 14 experimental facilities, representing 840 staff (permanent and contractual staff). Let's do the brief summary: The ex-radio host, who presented on . She replied from the witness box: "Absolutely, it was a parody of me". Jeremy Vine tells trial of 'avalanche of hatred', BBC boss 'terrified by radio host's stalking', Ex-BBC presenter 'stalked fellow broadcasters', Nottinghamshire firefighters get trauma packs in response to Manchester Arena inquiry, Illegal weapon found under sink in search for suspect, New recruit Sarah set to open the doors to Ashfield companys growth, Worksop pub and kitchen plans fun day to celebrate King's coronation, Russia launches missile attacks on Ukraine, Explosion derails train in Russian border region, JP Morgan snaps up troubled US bank First Republic. One of the complainants, Liz Green, was a fellow presenter there. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. However, Alex Belfield was. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Alex Belfield Nottingham Crown Court trial: Ex-BBC DJ tells jury of The judge said it was an aggravating factor that Belfield's harassment was public, as this caused his social media followers to also abuse Mr Spedding over a "lengthy period". Is climate change killing Australian wine? Detective Constable Lucy Clarke, of Nottinghamshire Police, has been leading the investigation. UK-Ireland tunnel from Holyhead to Dublin in 2035 plan EU would pay, Law student's degree is at risk because she said women have vaginas, Alex Belfield was blamed for an alleged bomb hoax, BBC row: Jonathan Dimbleby thrashes calls to cut licence fee in half, A2 closed in Kent after EIGHT cars crash near Bluewater, Police officer in hospital with severe injuries after being hit by car. [1], In a video on 22 March 2021 he said he had been living through hell for the past year and a half. This case involved a very large amount of evidence which documented the volume and extent of Belfields stalking behaviour. [2] His career has spanned television, radio and print. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure.
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