A blogger accused of stalking writer, broadcaster and social commentator Sonia Poulton has appeared in court for the first time.
Darren Laverty, 49, of Maes Hyfryd, Beaumaris, Anglesey is said to have tweeted to her or about her over 300 times.
He indicated a not guilty plea at Wimbledon Magistrates Court and was sent to Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on October 18 after electing jury trial.
Father-of-three Laverty blogs about Wrexham’s Bryn Estyn children’s home, which is at the centre of an abuse enquiry.
He has been charged with one count of stalking involving serious harm or distress between January 30, 2015 and May 12, this year, causing Sonia Poulton serious alarm or distress, which had an adverse effect on her day-to-day activities.
She is a regular guest on ITV’s ‘This Morning’, often commenting on issues involving children.
Sonia, 52, has also debated issues concerning young adults and senior citizens, health and crime among others.
She has written many articles, most notably for the Daily Mail and Daily Express.
Prosecutor Miss Amanda McCabe told the court: “The complainant is a journalist and after the Jimmy Savile enquiry she began reporting on it and receiving abuse from people, and the police say one of them is the defendant.
“She feels this is a sustained campaign against her and she’s harassed by the defendant.
“Most of this has taken part via twitter.
“The defendant tweeted either about or to the complainant on approximately three-hundred occasions, causing her to suffer alarm and distress.
“If convicted the defendant is likely to receive a custodial sentence.”
Laverty remains on bail on condition he does not enter London, contact Sonia or mention her in online communication.
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