logo
Stalker played horror movie role so well she landed herself in jail

Stalker played horror movie role so well she landed herself in jail

Metro21-04-2025

A stalker adopted horror film star Kathy Bates as an alias to launch a months-long campaign of harassment against a nurse she met at a psychiatric hospital.
Holly White, 27, claims to have fallen in love 'at first sight' with nurse Daniel McCann when she was a patient for two months at Liverpool's Clock View mental health facility.
When McCann ignored messages saying she fancied him, White continued messaging him using a Facebook profile under the name 'Kathy Bates'.
Bates was lauded for her performance as nurse Annie Wilkes, the 'number one fan' of best-selling author she held captive in the 1990 film Misery.
While Bates won and Oscar for the role, White's portrayal was so chilling it landed her in jail and forced McCann and his girlfriend to leave Liverpool, MailOnline reported.
'Hope you can run because if I ever see you, you are dead', White messaged McCann's girlfriend Eva Hegarty, a trainee nurse.
'I hate you, you dirty little paedo. Good luck getting a fella if you ever break up with Daniel.'
In a statement read in court, Ms Hegarty said: 'She threatened to hurt me and she even stated that she hoped I would get raped.
'I wouldn't stay on my own in my own home. I was constantly looking over my shoulder.
'At one stage, I was too afraid to walk down the street in daylight hours in case she was around. She has really changed the way we are living our lives.'
Angela Conlan, prosecuting, said: 'Using the Kathy Bates account, the defendant commented on a picture of his mother being 'fit' and messaged, 'Where is she going dressed like that? Not bad for an old boot'.'
Messaging Ms Hegarty, White said 'Does Danny being fat make you uncomfortable' and 'No engagement ring yet sexy?'.
Mr McCann said: 'I am constantly stressed and paranoid about any contact from Holly.
'I felt intimidated by her. Eventually I had to move away from Liverpool, a city I was born and raised in.' More Trending
White even claimed she'd had 'numerous sexual interactions' with McCann while in hospital.
Her lawyer, Steve Charters, said White was having relationship issues and is now in a 'better place' since reducing her medication.
White admitted harassing the couple between February and June last year. She also admitted sending a communication threatening death or serious harm to Ms Hegarty.
Jailed for 16 weeks at Sefton Magistrates' Court, White has also been banned from contacting her victims for 10 years under a restraining order.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
MORE: Cane Corso 'fighting dog' ran from drunk owner and attacked four-year-old boy
MORE: British man burned to death in the Amazon after locals accuse him of murder
MORE: Family of murdered student renew appeal with £20,000 reward to find his killers

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Egypt's president ignores Starmer's pleas over mother of jailed activist
Egypt's president ignores Starmer's pleas over mother of jailed activist

The Guardian

time11 minutes ago

  • The Guardian

Egypt's president ignores Starmer's pleas over mother of jailed activist

The Egyptian president is refusing to take a call from Keir Starmer, knowing it will be a plea to save the life of the mother of Alaa Abd el-Fattah, a famous human rights activist and British Egyptian dual national. Laila Soueif is in St Thomas' hospital with very low blood sugar levels as she suffers from the effect of nearly 250 days on hunger strike. The 69-year-old is seeking the release of her son, who has spent more than 10 years in jail as a non-violent campaigner for freedom in Egypt. He should have been released in September on the completion of his last sentence. Doctors have warned she is in a highly dangerous condition, and are surprised she is conscious. It is understood Starmer has been trying to speak to Abdel Fattah El-Sisi ever since she was hospitalised, but after taking two previous calls earlier in the crisis, the Egyptian president is so far refusing to take a third. Starmer last spoke to Sisi on 22 May, and urged him to 'end the anguish of the family'. A diplomatic source said Sisi is adamant that he does not regard Abd el-Fattah as anything to do with Britain, since he won't recognise his dual citizenship. 'One can only assume he is indifferent to what happens to his mother, but we have been relaying through all the channels available how serious and urgent this matter is,' said one government source. The UK foreign secretary, David Lammy, has asked for options to be drawn up to demonstrate the UK's anger at what has been happening, but the possibility that any will stick to make Sisi relent seem slim. The UK has not upgraded its travel advice for Egypt to 'dangerous'. Starmer has enlisted the help of European allies to put pressure on Sisi to relent. Sending a message from her hospital bed, Soueif said she was overwhelmed by those who supported her. 'I feel I have reaped what I have sowed hundred fold. All that is asked (of) us is that we don't stop fighting for what is right. We do not have to be winning, but I believe there will come a time when we prevail.' Laila's daughter, Sana'a, said on Tuesday that the doctors believed her mother may have found a limited pocket of energy. 'She is fighting, and we hope the Foreign Office is using the time,' she said, adding that her brother is aware of his mother's plight. Sana'a said that along with her sister Mono, they had already told the doctors that if she loses consciousness, they would not ask to revive her. She explained: 'Our mother has told us: 'I had a good and happy life. I had a good marriage and I had a good job and lived 69 years. I do not want to sit and watch my grandchildren's life be stolen. It has been 10 years'. 'Of course I do not want to lose my mum, but I also do not want her to go through this hospital business again. The only reason she wants to stay alive is us. She really does not want to continue life like this and I understand it.' She said Lammy had called for the ambassador's access to Whitehall departments to be limited while he was in opposition. 'He was very happy to say this when the Tories were in power, but it is not happening now.' John McDonnell, the independent MP who has been at the forefront of the campaign to bring the family's plight to parliament, said: 'My concern is that we are running out of time. There is a whole range of things that specialists and diplomats have advised the government to do around trade and travel advice. There do not as yet seem to be any consequences.'

Bizarre 'drug mule' explosion as 13 Brits in hellhole prisons and facing death
Bizarre 'drug mule' explosion as 13 Brits in hellhole prisons and facing death

Daily Record

time26 minutes ago

  • Daily Record

Bizarre 'drug mule' explosion as 13 Brits in hellhole prisons and facing death

The arrests of a number of Brits abroad in recent months has shone a spotlight on the worrying trend of criminal networks targeting ordinary UK citizens to act as drug mules. A sharp spike in the number of British nationals being arrested for drug trafficking worldwide has raised concerns among law enforcement agencies and border control officials. A recent wave of arrests, spanning countries in Southeast Asia and South America, has highlighted a worrying and growing trend: ordinary British citizens, including young and elderly individuals with no prior convictions, allegedly becoming embroiled in global drug smuggling operations. ‌ Over the past few months, UK nationals have been detained in various countries, including Spain, Ghana, Sri Lanka, Germany, Indonesia, Chile, and the United States, often after being found with substantial amounts of narcotics in their luggage. Behind these arrests lies a concerning pattern: organised crime networks are deliberately targeting British nationals who are less likely to arouse suspicion, often masquerading as innocent tourists or retirees. ‌ Traffickers view many Brits as ideal mules, given their ease of global travel and lack of prior convictions. Authorities claim many are being manipulated online - deceived into transporting "gifts" or "business packages" by scammers, or lured into smuggling by the promise of quick cash, often after experiencing financial difficulties. Former special branch officer Chris Hobbs, who played a key role in Operation Airbridge in 2002, a high-profile UK operation targeting Jamaican cocaine mules, described the current trend as profoundly alarming. "There's clearly been a shocking increase in the number of Brits being caught, which could be a result of the authorities profiling passengers differently," Hobbs divulged to the Mirror, reports the Mirror. "We see criminals befriending young girls on a romantic basis and then asking them to do a favour. I don't know whether that's what's happening in Thailand or whether it's just the case that they are being persuaded with easy money. "But if you talk to Border Force officers, they will also say that they're under-resourced and they know that there's a lot getting past them that they're not equipped to deal with. Catching cannabis traffickers in the UK is not a high priority, so those being caught really could just be the tip of the iceberg. "Crime gangs are crafty; they rope in people from all walks of life who don't appear to be your typical smuggler. It may be an elderly lady or a seemingly innocent young girl - such outliers have a greater chance of slipping through. Nonetheless, one would hope that now, Thai border officials might give extra scrutiny to such individuals." ‌ Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Britain's National Crime Agency has sounded the alarm, with an insistent reminder that "ignorance is not a defence". They are cautioning travellers against carrying items for others, regardless of how convincing they sound. The forecast remains grim with anticipations of more arrests and widening global probes, underlining the serious risk involved: even the slightest of slip-ups can have catastrophic consequences. ‌ Below we outline the unfortunate circumstances of Britons detained overseas: William "Billy Boy" Eastment - Chile Bowls enthusiast and senior citizen William "Billy Boy" Eastment found himself in hot water at Santiago International Airport, Chile, on May 18 when officials discovered over 5 kgs of methamphetamine hidden within a false suitcase bottom. The septuagenarian from the UK had touched down following a flight from Cancun, Mexico. Customs officers became suspicious during their standard checks, unearthing the drugs upon inspecting a concealed compartment. With evidence such as messages on his mobile suggesting links to contacts in Brazil and the States, authorities suspect that Eastment didn't act alone. ‌ He now awaits potential charges in pre-trial detention, a span which could last 120 days as Chilean prosecutors prepare their case. Should he be found guilty, he might be facing upwards of 15 years behind bars; however, cooperation with the investigation could lead to a reduced term. Unidentified couple - Spain. On May 5, a British duo, a man and woman aged 33 and 34 respectively, were apprehended at Valencia Airport after more than 33 kilograms of cannabis was discovered concealed in their luggage. The pair had arrived from France and initially informed customs officials that they had nothing to declare, purporting to be holidaymakers returning from Thailand. ‌ Spanish authorities highlighted that the couple were selected for inspection due to their anxious behaviour and elusive answers. Upon examination of their suitcases, airport staff observed a lack of personal belongings, instead uncovering vacuum-sealed packages filled with a plant-based substance, later identified as cannabis. The following day, both individuals were presented before a judge and remain detained while the inquiry is ongoing. It remains uncertain when or if formal charges will be brought by Spanish prosecutors, and a trial may not commence for several months. Jon Collyer, Lisa Stocker and Phineas Float - Indonesia. The court case involving three Brits apprehended in Bali earlier this year on charges of drug smuggling is currently in progress. Jon Collyer, 38, and Lisa Stocker, 39, were detained at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport in February when customs officers reportedly discovered 994 grams of cocaine in their possession. ‌ The authorities claim the drugs were hidden within their luggage. It's alleged that Collyer and Stocker were found with 17 packages of cocaine, estimated to be worth around £300,000, concealed in Angel Delight packets. Phineas Float, 31, was arrested a few days later, suspected of being the intended recipient of the narcotics. Float's trial is separate but all are facing similar accusations under Indonesia's strict drug laws. ‌ If found guilty, they could each face lengthy prison sentences or even the death penalty, depending on the court's decision regarding intent and trafficking. Chyna Jada Brown-Frater and Christian Owusu Williams - Ghana. Two Britons have been apprehended at Accra's Kotoka International Airport in Ghana, suspected of attempting to smuggle substantial amounts of cannabis. Chyna Jada Brown-Frater, 23, was intercepted on May 18 before she could board a British Airways flight destined for London Gatwick. Security personnel allege that her luggage contained 32 blocks of compressed cannabis, weighing roughly 18 kilograms and estimated to be worth around £170,000. She was detained and later appeared in court where she was remanded pending further enquiries. ‌ In an unrelated incident, Christian Owusu Williams, a 19 year old UK national, was reportedly caught trying to fly to Dubai with 92 blocks of cannabis, tipping the scales at just under 54 kilograms. While authorities have not confirmed any direct link between the two arrests, Ghana's Narcotics Control Commission has issued a statement reiterating its dedication to fighting drug trafficking. Both suspects are currently being held as legal proceedings unfold. Cameron Bradford - Germany. Cameron Bradford, a 21 year old woman from Knebworth, Hertfordshire, has been arrested in Germany after allegedly being found with cannabis in her luggage at Munich Airport. The young Brit was travelling solo from Thailand and made a last-minute change to her travel plans, choosing to transit via Munich instead of landing at London Heathrow as initially planned. ‌ This sudden alteration raised suspicions among German authorities, leading to increased scrutiny. She was apprehended on April 21 while attempting to retrieve her luggage. It's reported that Bradford is currently in pre-trial detention as German police delve deeper into the case, investigating the source of the drugs and any potential connections to organised drug trafficking networks. She may remain in custody for several months before a decision on prosecution is reached. ‌ Thomas Parker - Bali. Thomas Parker, a British national hailing from Workington in Cumbria, was handed a 10-month prison sentence by a Denpasar court in Bali this May. He was found guilty of failing to report a drug-related crime. Indonesian authorities arrested Parker in January after discovering him with a parcel containing over one kilogram of MDMA, also known as ecstasy. Despite the prosecution pushing for a 12-month sentence, the judges decided on a lesser term, citing Parker's cooperation, admission of guilt, and expression of remorse. ‌ The time Parker has already spent in detention since his arrest will be deducted from his sentence. Indonesia is renowned for its stringent drug laws, making Parker's relatively mild sentence stand out against potential punishments that can range from extensive jail terms to even capital punishment for trafficking offences. Through his legal representative, Parker stated he accepted the court's verdict and would not be lodging an appeal. Charlotte Lee May - Sri Lanka. Former flight attendant Charlotte Lee May, a 21 year old from Coulsdon in south London, found herself in hot water after being arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka. In May, police allegedly discovered 46 kgs of synthetic cannabis, known locally as "Kush," in her luggage. ‌ Reportedly travelling solo, May was caught during a routine customs check. The street value of the drugs is estimated to be around £1.2 million. Sri Lankan law is notoriously strict on drug trafficking, with penalties reaching up to 25 years behind bars. May has refuted any knowledge of the drugs, insisting they must have been planted without her knowing. ‌ She remains detained while Sri Lankan prosecutors deliberate over the case and consider pressing charges. Bella May Culley - Georgia. Bella May Culley, an 18 year old from Billingham, Teesside, could face up to nine months in pre-trial detention in Georgia after being arrested in the capital, Tbilisi, on suspicion of drug trafficking. She stands accused of importing 12kg of marijuana and 2kg of hashish into the country. Prior to her arrest, Culley had been reported missing while thought to be on holiday in Thailand, sparking an international search. However, she was later located in Georgia, where she was taken into custody. ‌ During a recent pre-trial hearing, Culley revealed that she is pregnant. Prosecutors have asked for 55 days to collect evidence, with the investigation period potentially extended by another seven months. Her solicitor, Ia Todua, stated that investigators are trying to establish the origin of the drugs and whether Culley intended to pass them on. Kim Hall - USA. Kim Hall, a 28 year old British beautician from Middlesbrough, was arrested in August last year at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport while travelling from Mexico to the UK. US Customs and Border Protection officers allegedly discovered cocaine worth an estimated £4.6 million hidden in Hall's luggage. She reportedly informed authorities that she believed she was transporting two bags filled with cash and was unaware of their actual contents. She was detained and charged with federal drug trafficking offences. Her case is now in the hands of US prosecutors, and she is currently awaiting trial.

Artwork featuring JK Rowling's name taken off display to stop ‘tampering'
Artwork featuring JK Rowling's name taken off display to stop ‘tampering'

STV News

timean hour ago

  • STV News

Artwork featuring JK Rowling's name taken off display to stop ‘tampering'

An artwork featuring author JK Rowling's name has been taken down by the National Trust, which wants to 'protect it from further tampering or damage'. Visitors who went to Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire between April and November 2024 were invited to nominate a 'contemporary Virtuous Woman', whose name was then sewn into the fabric. Since the project ended, the participatory artwork, A Virtuous Woman, has continued to be on display, featuring Rowling's name which was at an unspecified time 'stitched over by other participants'. Last week on X, feminist campaigner Jean Hatchet said she had 'corrected' the work by taking off the stitching over Harry Potter author Rowling's name. It follows criticism of Scotland-based Rowling's views on gender issues that have seen her called transphobic by activists, which she has denied. A spokeswoman for the National Trust said: 'The artwork was open to contributions for eight months and closed in November when the piece was finished and put on public display. 'During the participation phase, JK Rowling's name was stitched onto the piece seven times and in two instances it was stitched over by other participants. 'At the time the artwork was completed and subsequently hung, JK Rowling's name appeared five times without any overstitching. 'We ask people not to damage or tamper with artworks once they are finished and on public display. 'The piece has been taken off display for investigation and to protect it from further tampering or damage. We take all claims and incidents of damage to items in our care seriously and investigate each one.' Ms Hatchet criticised the response from the National Trust, saying she removed the 'stitching with the correct tool', took 'great time and care', and did not damage it. The stitched names of British queens, artist Yoko Ono, former prime minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher, climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, and Taylor Swift among others appear not to have stitching over them on the recycled textile. The work comes from artist Layla Khoo in association with the University of Leeds and National Trust, and is inspired by wealthy Elizabethan woman Elizabeth Talbot, known as Bess of Hardwick, commissioning a series of large embroideries featuring noble women from the ancient world, such as Cleopatra. The trust had previously responded to criticism from the organisation, Women's Rights Network Derbyshire and Staffordshire, who advocated for 'a simple addition to their description', with a statement explaining why the crossing-out stitching on Rowling's name remains. Responding on X, the trust said that it is a 'collaborative piece of art formed of participants' views from a variety of age groups, life experiences and beliefs', and 'any contributions to the piece have been made by those who chose to take part'. 'None of the views expressed or actions taken by participants represent the views of the National Trust, the artist or the University of Leeds,' the organisation said Ellie Evans, from WRN Derbyshire and Staffordshire, criticised the artwork being covered up, saying the move would 'erase all the women'. Rowling declined to comment. Khoo and the University of Leeds have also been contacted. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store