A man who reportedly travelled 200 miles to rent the holiday home of TV star Fern Britton has admitted he stalked her.
James Haviland, 63, of Basingstoke in Hampshire, is said to have tracked down where the star lived as part of his “disturbing and scary” campaign of stalking.
According to The Sun, Haviland last week admitted he stalked Fern for two years when he appeared before magistrates in Cornwall.
He began by sending the This Morning presenter flowers and cards before eventually renting her holiday home in Cornwall to be closer to her.
Haviland stayed in Fern’s holiday home for a week last September before attempting to rent it again in November. It was then he was reported to the police.
Fern, 66, is said to have moved to Cornwall in 2020 after spending a decade living with ex-husband TV chef Phil Vickery in Buckinghamshire.
She appeared in the Channel 5 show My Cornwall and shares social media images of countryside runs, beach picnics, and evenings in with her cat Barbara.
Two years after her move, however, she is said to have started to receive the attention of Haviland, culminating with him turning up in her village.
Last week Haviland appeared at Bodmin magistrates’ court where he admitted stalking without fear, alarm or distress. The charges cover a period between November 20, 2021 and September 16, 2023.
Prosecutor Samantha Rogers named “Fern Britton, a TV personality” as his victim.
She said: “Over a prolonged period he sent flowers, stayed in a particular village moving closer to where she lives and staying in a cottage that she owns.”
Haviland, who appeared in court via video link, was bailed ahead of sentencing next month.
Last week Haviland appeared at Bodmin magistrates’ court where he admitted stalking without fear, alarm or distress.
