Glasgow Stalker Permanently Barred from Approaching BBC Presenter
In a troubling case, Robert Green, a 71-year-old man, has been permanently barred from approaching Anne McAlpine, a BBC presenter, due to a course of stalking conduct that caused her significant distress and fear. This ruling follows a trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court, where Green was found guilty of harassing McAlpine over a period spanning from February 2021 to November 2024.
Key Facts of the Case
Throughout the trial, evidence revealed the torment McAlpine endured. Green repeatedly prowled around her residence and sent her unwanted gifts, letters, and love poems. Some of these materials notably referenced Princess Diana and Rangers Football Club, indicating the bizarre nature of his fixation.
Conviction and Sentencing
Despite denying the allegations, Green was convicted in January. The presiding Sheriff, Owen Mullan, expressed that Green’s behavior was “sinister” and left McAlpine feeling “terrified, exposed, and vulnerable.” Although Green had no prior convictions, the severity of his actions warranted a sentence that included:
- Two years of supervision
- A lifetime non-harassment order prohibiting any contact with McAlpine
During sentencing, Sheriff Mullan noted that while Green’s behavior crossed a custodial threshold, alternative measures were available due to parliamentary guidelines. This decision aimed to avoid sending him to prison, considering factors such as time spent on remand.
Terrifying Incidents
McAlpine detailed several frightening encounters she had during the stalking. One incident occurred in September 2024 when she noticed a man lingering outside her home. Feeling alarmed, she requested her colleague to secure the car doors and called her husband.
Further incidents escalated her anxiety; on one occasion, her doorbell rang twice in the early hours. McAlpine recounted looking out her window to see a figure leaving her property, heightening her sense of danger and invading her sense of security.
The Impact on McAlpine’s Life
Reflecting on her experience, McAlpine shared that the stalking profoundly affected her daily life. She expressed concern about her surroundings and the feeling of being watched, emphasizing that no one should feel unsafe in their own home.
As the case concludes, this ruling serves as a reminder of the serious implications of stalking and its impact on victims. Green’s actions have not only led to legal consequences but have profoundly altered McAlpine’s sense of safety and well-being.
