Friel's stalker avoids prison

A STALKER who plagued TV star Anna Friel for nearly three years - bombarding her with emails and turning up unannounced at her home - yesterday avoided a jail sentence.

- By Paul Jeeves Crime Editor

Phil Appleton, 71, had previously admitted stalking without serious alarm or distress, but claimed he had mental health conditions.

In a statement read out at his sentencing hearing, Ms Friel, 49, said: "This case had made me feel very threatened and as though I have to look over my shoulder all the time."