Anna Friel tells of stalking ordeal as man is given restraining order

The actor Anna Friel has said she is constantly looking over her shoulder after a man stalked her for three years, telling her she would make the “perfect wife” and turning up at her home with a ring.

- Steven Morris Charlie Moloney

Friel said Phil Appleton, 71, a former pilot and actor, had “invaded” her private life and that protecting herself and her family against him had taken up valuable time when she wanted to focus on her acting.

Appleton was first arrested by police more than two years ago after sending explicit messages to Friel and was warned not to approach her.

But he continued to pursue her and yesterday was made subject to a 15-year restraining order by a judge at Reading magistrates court, preventing him from contacting Friel and banning him from specific areas she frequents.

In a victim statement, Friel said: “As a woman in the acting industry, where there have been lots of cases relating to stalking, it has still shocked me when this has happened to me.

“This case has made me feel very threatened and makes me feel like I am having to look over my shoulder all the time.”