McElderry scared over 'stalker' (From Salisbury Journal)

McElderry scared over 'stalker'

12:48pm Tuesday 11th September 2012 in National Entertainment News © Press Association 2013

Joe McElderry has told a court that he was left feeling scared and intimidated by a man accused of stalking him and his mother.

The pop singer and former X Factor winner attended South Tyneside Magistrates' Court to give evidence in the trial of Ennis McBride, who denies a charge of harassment.

The court heard that McBride, 53, from Stockport, turned up at McElderry's house on more than one occasion and sent him abusive tweets.

It was said that on September 11, 2011 McBride knocked on McElderry's front door while he was having a bath. A friend answered the door and said he was not available.

McBride then went round to the singer's old house and spoke to McElderry's mother, Eileen Joyce, and accused Joe of being a liar. Describing the incident, McElderry said: "I was feeling quite shaken and confused, and a bit creeped out. My mum sounded very alarmed and distressed and told me to lock the doors."

Then on December 24, 2011 the court heard that Ms Joyce saw McBride in Asda and later that day he was arrested at their home.

McElderry said: "I understand that I'm on the public platform and I appreciate the support I get but I don't think I should be made to feel unsafe in my own home."

McBride, a part-time PhD student with a degree in psychology and philosophy and another in counter fraud and criminal justice, denied he intended to cause McElderry and his mother alarm.

He told the court: "I am a music lover and a musician myself. I was a fan of his from when I first saw him on X Factor."