Film Producer's Stalking Campaign Against Actress Revealed in Court
A film producer has been fined after hiring private investigators to track a Hollyoaks actress in what developed into a disturbing stalking campaign following the breakdown of their relationship. Kevin Proctor, 47, who worked on the Brian Epstein biopic Midas Man, began a romance with actress Nicola Holt in July 2022, but their relationship soured and she moved on to a new partner by August 2023.
The Investigation and Tracking Device
Manchester Magistrates' Court heard how Proctor responded to the breakup by hiring private investigators with instructions to place a tracking device on Ms Holt's new partner's car. Prosecutor Olivia Davin described the device as "a small black device with a sim card inside and a blue flashing light" that was discovered attached to the grey Audi belonging to Ms Holt's partner.
Ms Holt, who has also appeared in Emmerdale, told the court she had become suspicious and checked her own vehicle for tracking devices but found nothing. It was only when she had access to her partner's car that the invasive device was discovered, revealing the extent of the surveillance operation against her.
Impact on the Victim
In a powerful victim statement read to the court, Ms Holt described how the experience left her feeling "completely paranoid and scared." She revealed she had purchased a Ring doorbell to monitor arrivals at her property and experienced constant anxiety.
"Every time I get a notification I assume it's him and it panics me," she stated. "I thought a man was following me in Asda and thought he had paid someone to follow me." The actress added that she checks her car daily for trackers and lives in fear that Proctor will appear at her address and assault her.
Court Outcome and Defence Arguments
While Proctor denied a charge of stalking causing serious alarm and distress, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of stalking Ms Holt in Bolton in June 2024. Magistrates imposed a £300 fine along with a £120 surcharge and ordered him to pay £85 in costs.
The court also issued a restraining order prohibiting Proctor from visiting any address where Ms Holt is believed to be and banning him from contacting her directly or indirectly.
Defence lawyer Aisling Byrne argued that Proctor was previously of "exemplary good character" and had continued providing financial support to Ms Holt after their relationship ended. She suggested his actions stemmed from concerns about whether her new relationship had "a financial aspect" given his ongoing financial assistance.
Ms Byrne also revealed that Proctor had been diagnosed with autism, with psychiatric reports indicating this may have affected his ability to make sound judgments and understand consequences. She described how the previously successful producer had lost his livelihood in the film industry and now works in a freezer factory, struggling financially with outgoings exceeding his income.
Proctor's other film credits include psychological thriller Cordelia and Funny Cow, but his career in the industry appears to have ended as a result of these proceedings.
