A man who admitted stalking a news presenter for almost a year has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Leo Jones, of Chesham Road, Bovingdon, was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, for stalking GB News' Ellie Costello.

According to court papers, his conduct “had a substantial adverse effect on her usual day-to-day activities” and he knew or ought to have known it would cause her alarm or distress.

Read more:

Between October 9 last year and September 20 this year, in London, he sent flowers to her workplace, contacted colleagues, attended her workplace, and attended a location she was broadcasting from, despite being told to stop.

The 41-year-old admitted to the charge at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on October 14, 2022.

On November 24, the court handed him the suspended sentence and ordered him to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work.

A restraining order was also made preventing him from contacting or going within 150 metres of Mrs Costello for five years. He was ordered to pay £213.

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.

Check out our Watford crime and court Facebook page here.