X Factor winner Joe McElderry's stalker is fined

A man from Stockport has been convicted of stalking X Factor winner Joe McElderry and his mother.

Ennis McBride, 53, was found guilty of harassment at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court after Mr McElderry gave evidence.

The singer said he felt intimidated by McBride's visits to his house and that of his mother, Eileen Joyce.

McBride, who is subject to a five-year restraining order, was fined £1,000 plus £915 costs.

District Judge Roger Elsey said: "He totally lacked insight into the impact of his actions on the complainants."

The court heard McBride, who had denied the charge, turned up at Mr McElderry's house on more than one occasion and sent him abusive tweets.

On 11 September 2011, when McBride knocked on McElderry's front door while he was having a bath, a friend answered the door and said he was not available, the court was told.

McBride then went round to Mr McElderry's mother's house and accused Mr McElderry of being a liar, the court heard.

Mr McElderry said: "I was feeling quite shaken and confused, and a bit creeped out.

"My mum sounded very alarmed and distressed and told me to lock the doors."

The court heard that on 24 December 2011 Ms Joyce saw McBride in a nearby Asda and later that day he was arrested at their home.

Mr McElderry said: "My mum rang and said 'the stalker is back and he's in Asda'.

"She sounded really upset but she was more concerned where I was and if I was with anyone.

"After that I went and locked the door.

"We spent the evening writing out our statement when suddenly a police van pulled up and he was put into the van.

"I felt intimidated that someone would be standing in the dark outside my house and scared because it was Christmas Eve and it was the last thing I wanted to think about.

"I understand that I'm on the public platform and I appreciate the support I get but I don't think I should be made to feel unsafe in my own home."

The restraining order prevents McBride from contacting the singer or his mother.