17-07-2025
Top barrister 'felt sick' when her stalker sent her a picture of his naked bottom in terrifying five-year campaign
A top barrister said she 'felt sick' when her stalker sent her a picture of his naked bottom during a five-year campaign of terror.
Robert McKenna, 59, has admitted stalking Anneliese Day KC, between June 1, 2020, and April 6, 2025.
McKenna sent Ms Day a photo of his naked buttock, contacted her clerk at her chambers and left a Valentine's Day card outside her chambers.
In a victim impact statement Ms Day said: 'At the beginning I found the defendant's actions an annoyance.
'After he sent me the photo of the bare buttock I felt sick.
'The suspect made repeated calls to my workplace to ask others where I am which left me even more concerned.
'He started ringing me, often when I was alone in a hotel. I couldn't sleep, I felt so afraid.
'Every time I walk around outside I feel worried.
'I started to worry about things I never worried about, such as getting in a taxi or catching public transport, because I worried that he might be driving the taxi.
'I am concerned for the safety of my family.'
McKenna has past convictions for harassment in 2000 and 2007, the court heard.
Ms Day took silk in 2012 and has a number of coveted awards, including The Lawyer's 'Barrister of the Year' and 'Silk of the Year' at Legal 500's UK Bar Awards.
She has also been identified as one of the 500 most influential people in the UK by Debretts and as a 'good leader for the 21st century'.
Ms Day is based at Fountain Court Chambers and a blog describes her as 'a leading lawyer of her generation' and 'a ruthlessly brilliant advocate'.
The court heard McKenna gained access to Ms Day's private Instagram account to send her messages.
In one he wrote: 'This is the best image of 2020. You are truly sexy'.
McKenna was committed to Southwark Crown Court for sentencing on a date to be fixed.
Magistrate Jonathan Saunders said: 'We've decided that we don't have the powers to sentence you today. It will need to be sent to the crown court for sentence. That will be Southwark Crown Court on a date to be arranged.'
He was bailed on condition he does not contact Ms Day and does not enter the M25.
