Alex Belfield

Prosecutors alleged Belfield used social media messages, videos and emails to cause serious alarm or distress to his victims including Channel 5 and BBC Radio 2 ...

He told the jury: “A journalist is entitled to be provocative and controversial. The judge said the jury must not convict Belfield “wholly or even mainly” on his failure to give evidence. Belfield had told he had chosen not to testify because a transcript of his police interviews had been read to the jury. “A witch-hunt is a load of people getting together to get rid of someone they don’t like. “I have never been a threat to anyone at the BBC other than to expose what they don’t want me to talk about. He faced eight stalking allegations, where he is said to have caused alarm and distress.

Presenter Jeremy Vine referred to Alex Belfield as 'the Jimmy Savile of trolling' when giving evidence in court last month.

I have in the past had a physical stalker who followed me. “The stalking which this case is concerned with is of a different type – and is more akin to internet trolling. At the start of the trial prosecutors said Belfield “wasn’t prepared to move on” after leaving the BBC and became disgruntled by what he perceived to be unfair treatment from his managers. Belfield is said to have developed a “dislike, almost hatred” of Mr Vine after the BBC donated the sum to a memorial fund set up to honour a friend of the broadcaster. He told the court he was the victim of a social media “pile-on” and a “witch-hunt” by other broadcasters, after exercising his rights to freedom of speech in communications with the complainants. Jurors accepted Belfield caused serious alarm or distress to two victims and was found guilty of “simple” stalking in relation to Channel 5 and BBC Radio 2 presenter Mr Vine and theatre blogger Philip Dehany.

Vine told court 'the Jimmy Savile of trolling' had waged a campaign of abuse against him on social media.

He claimed he was subjected to a “witch-hunt” and an online “pile-on” by other broadcasters. In his evidence, Vine, who launched separate defamation proceedings last year, said of Belfield: “I found it shocking and distressing, and it made me worried. “This is not a regular troll here.

The ex-radio host, who presented on BBC Radio Leeds, was convicted of four stalking charges at Nottingham Crown Court.

Mr McGuinness told the court: "It is not suggested the defendant's conduct involved physical stalking... I have in the past had a physical stalker who followed me. "The stalking which this case is concerned with is of a different type - and is more akin to internet trolling. Belfield is said to have developed a "dislike, almost hatred" of Mr Vine after the BBC donated the sum to a memorial fund set up to honour a friend of the broadcaster. Belfield told the court he was the victim of a social media "pile-on" and a "witch-hunt" by other broadcasters after exercising his rights to freedom of speech in communications with the complainants. Former BBC DJ Alex Belfield has been found guilty of the relentless stalking of other broadcasters, including Jeremy Vine, who he subjected to an "avalanche of hatred".

Alex Belfield branded 'the Jimmy Savile of trolling' after waging relentless nine-year campaign against four victims.

Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Mr McGuinness told the court: “It is not suggested the defendant’s conduct involved physical stalking… By clicking ‘Register’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice. I have in the past had a physical stalker who followed me. Belfield had claimed he was the victim of a social media “pile-on” and a “witch hunt” by other broadcasters after exercising his rights to freedom of speech in communications with the complainants. “The stalking that this case is concerned with is of a different type and is more akin to internet trolling.

A FORMER BBC local radio DJ has been found guilty of four stalking charges against broadcasters including Jeremy Vine.

A FORMER BBC local radio DJ has been found guilty of four stalking charges against broadcasters including Jeremy Vine. The 42-year-old was found guilty of stalking BBC Radio Northampton presenter Bernie Keith and videographer Ben Hewis, and convicted of “simple” stalking in relation to Jeremy Vine and theatre blogger Philip Dehany, meaning stalking without alarm or distress. Ex BBC DJ Alex Belfield guilty of stalking Jeremy Vine and other broadcasters

Ex-Radio Leeds host Alex Belfield was convicted of stalking four people, including the Radio Two presenter. | ITV News Calendar.

This is the Jimmy Savile of trolling." When Belfield, who now runs a YouTube channel called The Voice of Reason, was interviewed by the police, he told officers he was the subject of a witch hunt, the jury heard. Mr Keith was left feeling suicidal by a "tsunami of hate", the trial heard.

His message to his viewers in full after the verdicts were delivered at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday (August 5) was this: "It is a Friday afternoon and this ...

"The victims gave their evidence to demonstrate to the jury the impact that Alex Belfield’s behaviour had on them. Alex Belfield argued in his defence that as a journalist and broadcaster, his conduct amounted to free speech. The CPS presented evidence that his conduct went beyond the limits of freedom of speech and impacted adversely on the victims’ right to a private life. Alex Belfield’s conduct, in the form of messages, broadcasts, insults and threats, left his victims fearful and anxious. Belfield was cleared of the charge of stalking, which was said to have caused Jeremy Vine serious alarm or distress, but was convicted of simple stalking. Speaking in the summer sunshine to camera on his YouTube Channel, he said sentencing is on September 16 and the bail conditions continue.

Former BBC radio presenter Belfield wasn't accused of physically stalking those who complained, but he made YouTube videos about them, posted messages on social ...