Actress Anna Friel has spoken of her ordeal after being stalked for three years by Phil Appleton, 71, a former pilot and actor. Appleton was handed a 15-year restraining order at Reading Magistrates' Court on Thursday, preventing him from contacting Friel or entering areas she frequents. He also received a 24-month community order with 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
Friel, 49, said she constantly feels the need to look over her shoulder. In a victim personal statement, she described the stalking as 'incredibly time consuming' and said it had invaded her private life. She expressed disappointment that a police warning in 2022 did not stop Appleton, who continued to pursue her, even turning up at her home with a ring.
The court heard that Appleton first approached Friel in 2022 while she was walking with her daughter in Windsor, Berkshire. He later sent explicit emails, referred to her as 'the perfect wife', and sent a selfie of his bare torso. Despite being warned by police, he returned to her home in December 2023 wearing a dinner jacket, and again in December 2024, when he mouthed 'I love you' and held up a ring.
Appleton, who now lives in Essex, admitted stalking in August. His defence barrister, James Bloomer KC, said his client felt 'sorry and ashamed'. The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about police failings in tackling stalking, with campaigners warning of a 'postcode lottery' for victims.
