Actress Anna Friel stalked: court made a decision.

Following actress Anna Friel

According to The Sun: Actress Anna Friel admitted she felt 'threatened and shocked' when a man obsessed with her had been stalking her for almost three years. The court heard that 71-year-old Phil Appleton repeatedly appeared near her home, once even in a tuxedo.

The man left her 'gifts', including empty cigarette packs and a ring, and even sent numerous messages, fearing he might be perceived as strange.

Appleton met Friel while walking with her daughter. The actress noticed that he knew her and decided to share her email address with him. After that, she began receiving regular letters in which he confessed his love for her.

Attempts by Friel to ignore him were unsuccessful, and she continued receiving new messages where the man expressed his desire to marry her.

As the actress noted, security cameras captured moments when he expressed his feelings and held the ring.

In court, where the actress did not appear in person, she wrote in her statement:

“As a woman in the acting field, where there have been many cases of stalking, I was shocked when this happened to me. This incident made me feel threatened and as if I constantly had to look over my shoulder.”

Appleton's lawyer stated that his client feels 'absolute regret and shame' for his behavior and wants to return to normal life.

Appleton, who now lives with his mother in Steeple Bumpstead, Essex, received a 15-year restraining order and two years of community service.

Under the terms of the restraining order, he is prohibited from approaching Friel and her daughter, as well as being in the area of her home in Windsor.

This situation highlights the importance of the stalking issue faced not only by celebrities but also by ordinary people. The acting profession often opens up threats for artists, including from obsessive fans. Although Friel's case has ended with legal actions, it serves as a reminder of the need for caution and protection in personal life.