X Factor star Joe McElderry’s stalker found guilty

By TOM WHITE AND TOM WILKINSON
Published on 12/09/2012 00:00

A MAN accused of stalking X Factor winner Joe McElderry and his mother was convicted of harassment yesterday.

Ennis McBride, 53, from Stockport, was found guilty at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court after McElderry and members of his family gave evidence during the trial.

District Judge Roger Elsey said of McBride: “He has given evidence but has not been a compelling witness and lacked credibility.

“He totally lacked insight into the impact of his actions on the complainants.”

The judge fined him £1,000 and ordered him to pay £915 costs. McBride was subject to a five-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the singer or his mother.

McBride, a part-time PhD student with a degree in psychology and philosophy and another in counter fraud and criminal justice – who works in Holland, must not approach within 100 metres of his victims or communicate with them.

McBride became a fan of McElderry when he appeared on X Factor, winning the 2009 series. But later he became abusive on Twitter, posting offensive comments relating to McElderry’s sexuality.

McBride said as he left court that he intended to appeal.

In a statement after the case, McElderry said: “I am happy this is all over and I just want to draw a line under it.”