A man whose obsessive stalking campaign terrified singer and TV personality Cheryl Tweedy has been returned to prison after deliberately flouting a court order designed to protect her.
Liam Lovat, 30, was already subject to a restraining order for previous harassment when he knowingly breached it by contacting the star's management team. The breach occurred just months after his release from a previous jail sentence for the same offence.
A Pattern of Persistent Harassment
Manchester Crown Court heard how Lovat, of no fixed address, has engaged in a relentless campaign against the former Girls Aloud star. His actions have caused significant distress and anxiety for Tweedy over a prolonged period.
Judge Nicholas Dean KC, presiding over the case, condemned Lovat's actions as a "deliberate breach" of a court order that was put in place for the victim's safety and peace of mind.
Previous Convictions and Sentencing
This is not Lovat's first encounter with the justice system regarding his fixation on the celebrity. He was previously sentenced to 21 months in prison in March 2023 for stalking the star and breaching a restraining order.
Despite this significant sentence, Lovat resumed his harassing behaviour shortly after his release, demonstrating what the prosecution described as a persistent pattern of offending.
The Latest Breach and Consequences
The court was told that Lovat made direct contact with Tweedy's management team, directly contravening the terms of his restraining order. This latest violation has resulted in an immediate custodial sentence.
Judge Dean emphasised that the breach was particularly serious given its deliberate nature and the context of Lovat's previous convictions for similar offences against the same victim.
Impact on the Victim
The persistent nature of Lovat's harassment has had a profound impact on Cheryl Tweedy, who has had to endure years of unwanted attention and fear for her safety.
Stalking cases of this nature highlight the serious psychological toll on victims, even when the perpetrator doesn't make direct physical contact. The court recognised the ongoing distress caused by Lovat's actions.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the legal system's commitment to protecting victims of stalking and the serious consequences facing those who choose to ignore restraining orders.
