Former Conservative MP who harassed ex-wife handed community order
The court heard the former MP sent messages accusing Ms Lovell of being 'mean' to them, demanding to know about their new partner, saying she was 'cock hunting,' and calling her a 'c***' and a 'f****** bitch'.
On February 25, using an unknown number, the former MP demanded £350,000 be put into their bank account within 15 minutes.
In a separate message, Wallis referred to her ex-wife and father as 'prejudiced f******' adding they hope they 'never have a happy moment again'.
The couple split in 2020, with the divorce finalised in 2024.
In a victim impact statement, which was read to the court, Ms Lovell said: 'This is the hardest thing I have written, for so long I have had to fight against the tide of Jamie's behaviour, publicly and privately.'
She added: 'The woman I used to be is destroyed. I will never understand what I have done to deserve the hurt I have endured.'
Ms Lovell described the last six months as 'utterly devastating' and said she was living her life as an 'overstimulated adult constantly in fight or flight'.
She said she feared Wallis turning up at her home, leading her to have CCTV installed.
Screen grab taken from PA video of Katie Wallis leaving Cardiff Magistrates' Court after they pleaded guilty to the harassment of their ex-wife, Rebecca (PA)
Wallis, who was wearing a black dress, looked down as the statement was read to the court.
Narita Bahra KC, appearing for the defence, said Wallis uses female pronouns, referring to Jamie as her 'deadname'.
She argued it was 'disappointing' the case had come to court, criticising South Wales Police and the Crown Prosecution Service for not dealing with the issue outside the court.
Ms Bahra argued it was 'unequivocal' that Wallis had been suffering from mental health difficulties at the time of the offending, partly brought on by their transitioning.
She also said Wallis was suffering from PTSD, a depressive disorder and an adjustment disorder.
District Judge Rhys Williams handed Wallis a 12-month community order to be carried out over 12 days and a fine worth £1,264.
Wallis, who pleaded guilty to leaving the messages at a hearing in June, initially denied the charges, but changed her plea when allegations of having driven by her ex-wife's home were removed from the charge.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
John Torode breaks his silence after being SACKED from MasterChef over ‘racist remark' amid Gregg Wallace scandal
Co-host Gregg Wallace was also sacked from the show last week, following allegations of sexual misconduct MASTERCHEF CHAOS John Torode breaks his silence after being SACKED from MasterChef over 'racist remark' amid Gregg Wallace scandal Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MASTERCHEF host John Torode has spoken out for the first time after being sacked from the show for allegedly making a "serious" racist remark. BBC bosses axed the TV host, 59, on Tuesday, slamming an "extremely offensive" term Torode used - which was revealed in a bombshell report into co-host Gregg Wallace's "inappropriate behaviour". Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 John Torode, 59, was sacked from MasterChef on Tuesday after being accused of making a racist remark during production of the show Credit: Alamy 3 The allegation was revealed in a report that looked into behaviour of Torode's co-host Gregg Wallace Credit: PA 3 Torode was allegedly asked to resign over the weekend and cite mental health issues before he was sacked Credit: Getty Today, Torode finally spoke out against the allegations and his sacking, claiming he had "no recollection" of what he was accused of. He said: "Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay - I am seeing and reading that I've been "sacked" from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I'm accused of. "The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong. "I'd hoped that I'd have some say in my exit from a show I've worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in last few days seem to have prevented that. "Over the past few months, I have been considering my life and the shape of it now and in the future. "Celebrity MasterChef, which I recently filmed with Grace Dent along with two fantastic Christmas specials will be my last. "Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have." He added: "I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards. "My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been. "Life is everchanging and ever moving & sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere. "Thank you for the many years of MasterChef." The dossier into Wallace's behaviour upheld a complaint that an unnamed person used a racial phrase on one occasion several years ago. Torode previously told The Sun that this comment referred to him, but added: 'I have absolutely no recollection of this, and I do not believe that it happened.' It was claimed the BBC told the presenter to pretend he had mental health issues and resign, after he was accused of racism amid the Gregg Wallace scandal. Confirming his sacking on Tuesday, a statement from the BBC read: "John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. "This allegation – which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace- was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin. "John Torode denies the allegation. He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. "He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. "The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode SACKED from MasterChef after 'racist remark' in another blow for scandal-hit show after Gregg Wallace saga "John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed." Banijay wrote a statement which added: "In response to John Torode's statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously. "The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018. "This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. "Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef." Torode, who has hosted the BBC1 cooking show with Wallace since 2005, was shocked to be told of the allegation — which did not receive a complaint at the time but had been raised with investigators. The BBC was unable to specify the time or date of the allegation, narrowing it down to '2018 or 2019'. MasterChef scandal timeline 2005 to 2011: Problems with MasterChef began way back in the mid-2000s, with 27 substantiated claims made against host Gregg Wallace regarding alleged incidents in this period, according to a report by law firm Lewis Silkin. Most of these were related to sexually explicit comments, although one allegation of unwanted physical contact in this period was also substantiated. The same report found there was a failure by the production company to retain records of any actions taken during this time. 2012 to 2018: Another 17 allegations were upheld from this period, according to the report. The production company behind MasterChef investigated an allegation about Wallace's behaviour in 2015 - but he was not made aware of the complaint. In 2016, the production company merged with Endemol, introducing more formal policies as well as regular training and anonymous reporting lines. The BBC intervened in response to a complaint in 2017, after which Wallace was then warned to change his behaviour. 2019 to 2024: One substantiated complaint about an inappropriate comment was from this time period. November 2024: Wallace faces allegations of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 people across a 17-year period on a range of TV shows. He steps away from presenting MasterChef while Banijay - the show's production company - announces it will conduct an external review to 'fully and impartially investigate' the claims against him. Some of these allegations included Wallace 'talking openly about his sex life, taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show', and telling a junior female colleague he was not wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans'. Banijay UK also confirms it has appointed law firm Lewis Silkin to lead the investigation into Wallace's alleged behaviour. December 2024: Wallace posts a video on Instagram which claims accusations against him making sexual comments towards staff and guests have come from 'middle-class women of a certain age'. His remarks are widely panned as "inappropriate and misogynistic', causing Wallace to apologise for any 'offence' or 'upset' he caused with his remarks, saying he will 'take some time out'. Co-host John Torode says he 'loves being part of' the show and 'will continue to be a part of it'. July 8 to 9, 2025: Wallace is sacked as MasterChef presenter following an enquiry into his alleged misconduct by Banijay. In an Instagram post, the former greengrocer claimed he had been cleared of the 'most serious and sensational accusations' against him, ahead of the published review. He also said he recognised that some of his humour and language was inappropriate 'at times' and apologised for this. July 14, 2025: Lewis Silkin publishes its report, on behalf of Banijay. It says that a total of 45 out of the 83 allegations made against Wallace during his time on the show were substantiated, including one allegation of 'unwelcome physical contact'. It concludes that the 'majority of the substantiated allegations against Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour', adding that 'a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated'. In the wake of the report's findings, Banijay says that 'Wallace's return to MasterChef (is) untenable'. July 15, 2025: Co-host Torode is sacked after allegedly making a racist remark while on the show. BBC bosses axe the TV host and slam an "extremely offensive" term, which was raised in the bombshell report into Gregg Wallace's "inappropriate behaviour". Torode says the comment - which the report attributed to an unnamed person - referred to him, but added: 'I have absolutely no recollection of this, and I do not believe that it happened.' Sources said the BBC and production company Banijay asked John to resign from the beleaguered show last week and claim he had mental health problems — to which he refused. He issued a statement to The Sun confirming he was the individual in the Wallace investigation who was 'alleged to have used racial language on one occasion'. However John — married to actress and ex-Celebrity MasterChef contestant Lisa Faulkner, 53 — believes it never even happened. The dad of four said: 'The allegation is I did so sometime between 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and the person I was speaking with did not believe it was intended in a malicious way and I apologised immediately afterwards. "I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened 'However, I want to be clear that I've always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. 'I'm shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence.' It is understood to be the only issue involving him in the report, though a source close to him said he is 'absolutely devastated to have been pulled into this mess'. They went on: 'He was at drinks after filming when he is alleged to have used an inappropriate racial term. "The witness said he apologised instantly, and he was mortified. 'The witness even stated he didn't use the term as a slur. 'No one complained at the time, but it's been brought up during the inquiry. "Shockingly he was only made aware of the incident two weeks ago and was only informed on Friday that it would be upheld." What did the report find? FORTY-five allegations made against Gregg Wallace during his time on MasterChef, including one of "unwelcome physical contact", were found to have been substantiated. An independent report commissioned by production company Banijay assessed 83 allegations against Wallace. The report substantiated: - Twelve claims he made inappropriate jokes and innuendo; - Sixteen reports he made sexually explicit comments; - Two allegations that he made sexualised comments to or about someone; - Four complaints that he made culturally insensitive or racist comments; - Three claims that he was in a state of undress; - Seven allegations of bullying; - One allegation of unwanted touching. The allegations span from 2005 to 2024. The BBC called John on Thursday night, followed by an email on Friday, asking him to step back. He was told to have his answer by Monday. A source claimed: 'They ambushed him, and it was suggested he quit due to the stress and scrutiny of the furore around the show. 'Obviously he was absolutely shocked and appalled and told them quite firmly he didn't have any mental health issues. "To try to use mental health as a get-out clause seems incredibly low — and is also deeply unfair to those with genuine mental health trauma. 'John absolutely loves MasterChef, and doesn't want to lose his job because of an investigation into his co-star." Melbourne-born John moved to the UK in 1991 and started working in London restaurants including Quaglino's. It was there he met greengrocer Wallace, who provided their veg. He started cooking on This Morning in 1996 before he and Wallace began hosting the revamped MasterChef in 2005.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Horror fire that ripped through stores in Scots town centre treated as wilful as cops hunt culprits
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HUGE blaze that destroyed several buildings in a busy Scottish town centre was started deliberately, sparking a police hunt. Emergency crews raced to Sandbed Street in Kilmarnock last night after a four-storey building was torched at around 9.30pm. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 A four-storey building was set on fire last night Credit: PA 6 Crews raced to the burning building in Kilmarnock last night Credit: PA 6 Crews have remained at the scene today Credit: John Kirkby A ferocious blaze was seen ripping through several buildings after flames spread to other nearby premises. Eight fire engines were scrambled to tackle the blaze, and police shut down surrounding roads. Firefighters were still on the scene this morning as they worked to extinguish the blaze. Luckily, no one was injured in the fire. However, several businesses are feared to have been destroyed by the flames. Police have now confirmed the blaze is being treated as deliberate, and officers have launched a hunt for the people who started it. The force said they are treating the fire as wilful and said that enquiries are ongoing. The full town is ruined. About 30+ people have lost their livelihoods businesses, etc, mine included. Pretty much spent my life savings opening that place Niky Brown Tattoo Artist Detectives have said that a number of streets will remain closed as crews remain at the scene. King Street remains closed to the junction with St Marnock Street, and Sandbed Lane is also shut. Local Area Commander Chief Inspector Scott McCurdy said: 'This was a large fire and I would like to thank our emergency service colleagues for their help throughout the night. 'We understand the impact this fire has had on local businesses and I want to thank the public for their patience and assistance while we carry out our enquiries. Major motorway closed after lorry fire sparking huge delays for thousands of drivers 'We are treating the fire as deliberate, and our investigation is ongoing. 'I am appealing to anyone who was in the area around the time of the fire and who saw anything suspicious to contact us. 'I would also ask anyone who was in the area and who may have dash cam or private CCTV which could assist us to get in touch. "Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 3692 of 14 July, 2025." Shock pictures show huge plumes of smoke billowing from the building. The shop was badly affected by the fire and a lot of uncertainties come with this cruel act... We can't begin to think what our futures look like from here Employee of a Bonmarche store Locals looked on in horror and took out their phones to film the inferno as firecrews raced to the scene. Local business Niky Brown Tattoo Artist spoke of their devastation after their business was affected by the huge blaze. They wrote online: "Woke up thinking all of that was a dream last night. "Reality has hit today. Can't believe someone went out of their way and burned down not only my tattoo shop but all the other businesses on King Street too. "The full town is ruined. About 30+ people have lost their livelihoods businesses, etc, mine included. STREET INFERNO Earlier today, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said six six appliances as well as two specialist appliances were deployed to the scene. A spokesperson said: "We received reports at 8.58pm of a fire to the rear of one of the commercial buildings on King Street, Kilmarnock. "We initially mobilised two appliances and specialist appliances. "We currently have six appliances as well as two specialist appliances in attendance." East Ayrshire Council also urged the public to avoid the area after saying the fire was "still burning" this morning. A spokesperson commented: "King Street Kilmarnock will remain closed today following a fire last night. "Shops and businesses in the street will be unable to open as emergency services require access since the fire is still burning. "Surrounding roads have reopened. More updates will follow." "Pretty much spent my life savings opening that place." The tattoo artist has launched an online fundraiser saying "We've lost everything". Elsewhere, a Bonmarche store, which also sits on the burned-out block, was also badly damaged by the huge flames. An employee wrote online: "The shop was badly affected by the fire and a lot of uncertainties come with this cruel act. "This was many of our livelihoods and a place we all enjoyed to be. "We can't begin to think what our futures look like from here." Residents have been warned to keep their windows closed while crews deal with the blaze. 6 Six appliances and two specialist appliances were deployed to the scene Credit: Alamy 6 Officers received reports of the blaze at around 9.30pm
Western Telegraph
4 hours ago
- Western Telegraph
Two men who cut down Sycamore Gap tree jailed for more than four years
Former friends Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, were convicted of criminal damage to the much-loved tree, which had stood for more than 100 years in a fold in the Northumberland landscape. They were also convicted of criminal damage to Hadrian's Wall, caused when the sycamore fell on the ancient monument in September 2023. The felled Sycamore Gap tree on Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland (Owen Humphreys/PA) Mrs Justice Lambert sentenced the pair, who have been held in custody following their trial in May, at Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday. At trial, Richard Wright KC, prosecuting, told jurors the pair had engaged in a 'moronic mission' to cut down the landmark, travelling for more than 40 minutes from their homes in Cumbria, then carrying their equipment across pitch black moorland during a storm back in September 2023. The judge said she was sure Adam Carruthers felled the tree and Daniel Graham drove them to the scene and filmed it and that both were equally responsible for the criminal damage. They took a wedge from the tree as a trophy that has never been recovered and revelled in the media coverage as news of the vandalism caused national and international headlines. Mr Wright told the sentencing hearing that since the trial both defendants have now admitted they 'went on the mission' but denied intending for the tree to be cut down, either saying they were intoxicated or that they 'didn't believe it would happen until it did'. He said: 'The prosecution rejects these late admissions… The court can be sure they were sober and prepared to do what they did.' Mr Wright told the court: 'This was an expedition which required significant planning in terms of taking a vehicle, driving for about 40 minutes to a car park, taking with them appropriate specialist equipment, carrying the equipment for about 20 minutes' walk in each direction. 'The felling was carried out in a deliberate, professional way.' Daniel Graham, left, and Adam Carruthers (PA) He said one of the aggravating factors was the site's heritage status and the defendants' attempts to avoid detection. Mr Wright said they knew other people, including a young boy, had been arrested in connection with the offence and were 'closely following (the investigation) when they knew they were responsible'. Andrew Poad, a National Trust manager, gave a victim impact statement which was read out by Rebecca Brown, prosecution junior counsel. He said: 'This iconic tree can never be replaced. 'Whilst the National Trust has cared for it on behalf of the nation, it belonged to the people. It was totemic.' Mr Poad added: 'An overwhelming sense of loss and confusion was felt across the world. 'The question was why anyone would do this to such a beautiful tree in such a special place. 'It was beyond comprehension.' Shoots appearing to grow on the base of the Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland (Owen Humphreys/PA) Mr Poad said an email address set up within days of the felling for people to share thoughts received 600 responses in a month. One said: 'My husband proposed to me at Sycamore Gap under its leafy shelter. A few years ago after lockdown we took our children to see and walk the same section of the wall. 'I'm so glad we got to share such a beautiful and special spot with them before it was gone.' The court was shown pictures of the new Sycamore Gap Celebration Room at The Sill site in Northumberland, and some comments left by people on a board and in the visitors' book. One said: 'Nature at its best over 300 years, humanity at its worst over one night.' Andrew Gurney, for Adam Carruthers, said his client had finally offered a motive for chopping down the tree and 'wishes to cleanse his conscience of what he has done'. He said: 'People want to know 'Why? Why did you conduct this mindless act?' 'Unfortunately, it is no more than drunken stupidity. 'He felled that tree and it is something he will regret for the rest of his life. There's no better explanation than that.' Chris Knox, defending Graham, said: 'He is a troubled man who has had very real difficulties in his life, which have not all been of his own making.' Mr Knox said Graham, a groundworker, had set up a 'proper business which paid tax and did all the appropriate things'. His home, and the business he operated from it, were attacked after he was remanded in custody, including having windows broken, the barrister said. The tree was a symbol of Northumberland, was the site of countless family visits and featured in the Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman film Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves. Its destruction, filmed on a mobile phone, took less than three minutes. The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, shining over the Sycamore Gap at Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland in 2016 (Owen Humphreys/PA) The maximum sentence for criminal damage is 10 years and aggravating factors include whether it was done to a heritage or cultural asset and evidence of wider impact on the community. The defendants were once close, working and socialising together, but have fallen out since their arrests and each blamed the other. Graham's Range Rover was picked up on automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras between Carlisle and Sycamore Gap at night on September 27 2023, and returning early the next morning. His mobile was traced to phone masts making the same journey. When police arrested the pair and searched Graham's phone, they found a two minute and 41 second video which showed the sycamore being cut down at 12.30am on September 28, and had been sent to Carruthers. Messages and voice notes between Graham and Carruthers the next day showed them talking about the story going 'wild' and 'viral'. Graham claimed Carruthers had a fascination with the sycamore, saying he had described it as 'the most famous tree in the world' and spoken of wanting to cut it down, even keeping a piece of string in his workshop that he had used to measure its circumference. Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers working together (CPS/PA) Carruthers denied this and told the court he could not understand the outcry over the story, saying it was 'just a tree'. Detective Inspector Calum Meikle, who led the investigation, said police still did not know why the pair felled the tree. He said: 'That is possibly the element of this entire case that is most frustrating to everybody, and it potentially is the one question that will never be truly known.' The National Trust, which owned the tree, said it had received thousands of messages from well-wishers after the tree was attacked. It has grown seedlings from the original sycamore which will be distributed to good causes around the country. A spokesperson said: 'The Sycamore Gap tree was iconic and represented thousands of cherished trees across the country that benefit people, nature, and climate. 'We remain committed to working with partners to secure stronger protections for these irreplaceable natural treasures.' A spokesperson for Northumberland National Park Authority said: 'Whilst today marks the end of the judicial process, work alongside our partners will continue, as we focus on reflecting public feeling about the tree and its cultural significance, as well as doing more for nature for the benefit of us all.'
