Mark Williams-Thomas, the former detective who played a pivotal role in exposing the horrific crimes of Jimmy Savile, is living in fear as the man who waged a relentless online campaign of hate against him is released from prison.
Alex Belfield, a former BBC radio host turned vengeful YouTuber dubbed 'The Internet's Number One Troll', has completed his sentence for a stalking campaign that left a trail of victims. His impending freedom has sparked serious concerns that the vitriolic harassment could restart.
A Campaign of Fear and Intimidation
Belfield's original campaign was not a simple case of online disagreement; it was a calculated and malicious operation. He was convicted for stalking four individuals, with the harassment against Williams-Thomas being so severe it was described as a 'life-changing' ordeal for the ex-detective and his family.
The abuse transcended the digital world, creating a palpable sense of danger. Williams-Thomas has spoken openly about the profound impact, revealing the family felt so threatened they were forced to install panic alarms throughout their home.
The Savile Connection and a Twisted Motive
The root of Belfield's vendetta appears to be linked to Williams-Thomas's work. The investigator's groundbreaking documentary exposing Savile as a predatory sex offender is believed to have ignited Belfield's fury.
Belfield, who had worked at the BBC, used his popular YouTube channel not for entertainment, but as a weapon. He unleashed a torrent of abuse, misinformation, and targeted vitriol against Williams-Thomas and other figures he set his sights on.
Anxious Anticipation of a Fresh Wave of Abuse
Now, with Belfield's release, there is a chilling anticipation that the digital onslaught will begin anew. Williams-Thomas has voiced his trepidation, stating he fully expects Belfield to immediately return to his old methods upon regaining his online access.
This case highlights the very real and devastating consequences of online stalking and the challenges the justice system faces in protecting victims from determined perpetrators, even after a conviction. The fear that a prison sentence merely pauses, rather than stops, the behaviour is a terrifying reality for those targeted.
