Journalist Lydia Suffield has been accused of stalking former British Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne and his wife Thea Rogers. Westminster Magistrates' Court held a hearing on the case yesterday, The Telegraph reports.
The 27-year-old freelancer sent emails and messages on Instagram, and also filed false complaints to a children's charity about drug use and neglect. This took place from June 8, 2022 to July 6, 2023.
Prosecutor Rihanna Neal also reported that Suffield was in contact with close friends of the couple and colleagues. She also sent a gift to the couple's children.
The prosecution believes that the journalist's actions caused damage to the couple, including material damage, because they decided to hire additional security for their wedding, the Daily Mail reports. The wedding ceremony took place during the period when Suffield was actively writing to the couple.
The accused during the court hearing confirmed only her name, age and address and said that she was innocent. The journalist's lawyer said that all the messages she sent to the couple were related to her professional activities.
The case has been remanded for trial. Suffield will next appear at Isleworth Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on January 6.