Stalker Guilty of Terrorising Myleene Klass and Katie Breathwick

single-post-img

Oct, 8 2025

When Peter Windsor, a 61‑year‑old resident of Stechford, Birmingham, was found guilty at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, the courtroom buzzed with a mix of relief and lingering dread.

Windsor’s conviction stems from a four‑year‑long campaign of stalking that targeted television and radio presenter Myleene Klass and her Classic FM colleague Katie Breathwick. The jury, after deliberating for four hours and eight minutes over two days, returned unanimous guilty verdicts.

Background of the Stalking Campaign

The harassment began in March 2020, at the height of the COVID‑19 pandemic, when Klass and Breathwick were both working from Classic FM’s central London studios. Windsor, who has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia for three decades, started sending a bizarre mix of items and letters that escalated in both frequency and creepiness.

To Klass, the parcels included an air pistol, a pair of handcuffs, a police uniform, a silver ring, rosary beads, and a stamp collection. Each package arrived with a handwritten note – some described as “raving” and “unhinged,” one even calling her a “naughty vixen.” Breathwick’s mail was equally unsettling: a DIY will‑writing kit, binoculars, perfume, running shoes, and an invitation to paddle on a lake while sipping champagne.

  • Air pistol – a stark reminder of potential violence.
  • Handcuffs – a symbol of control.
  • Police uniform – an eerie masquerade of authority.
  • DIY will kit – a morbid suggestion of death.
  • Champagne‑laden paddling invite – bizarre, yet disturbingly personal.

Both women reported feeling “sheer terror” and “a lingering sense of danger” after the first few deliveries. Klass told the court that the items turned her home into a “nightmare gallery.” Breathwick testified she was too frightened to walk to her car without looking over her shoulder.

Court Proceedings and Verdict

The case was presided over by Judge Tom Rochford. Prosecutor Timothy Sapwell painted a picture of calculated intimidation, while defence barrister Philip Brunt leaned on Windsor’s long‑standing mental‑health diagnosis, arguing that the defendant was not criminally responsible.

During the trial, a shocking revelation emerged: Windsor had once mailed a letter to former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in 2020, claiming it was “signed in blood” and pledging his soul to Satan. Although police arrested him in January 2023, prosecutors elected not to pursue charges at that time.

When the verdict was read, Windsor, dressed in a grey sweatshirt, kept his eyes fixed on the dock, lips pursed, as the sentencing date was set for the following month. Judge Rochford warned that sentencing options could include prison or a hospital order, stressing that “stalking is a serious crime which goes to the very heart of violence against women and girls.”

Impact on the Victims

Impact on the Victims

Both Klass and Breathwick described the ordeal as “a horrific year” that left them with lasting anxiety. Klass, a former Hear’Say star turned Classic FM presenter, posted a heartfelt thank‑you on Instagram, saying, “After a horrific year, my family and I finally have peace.” Breathwick echoed the sentiment, noting that the experience reshaped how she views personal safety in both public and private spaces.

Psychologists who specialize in trauma say that the kind of calculated, prolonged harassment Windsor engaged in can lead to complex post‑traumatic stress disorder. “Victims often relive the threat for years after the perpetrator is caught,” explains Dr. Lena Morgan, a clinical psychologist at Birmingham Mental Health Trust. “Even when the legal system delivers a verdict, the emotional recovery can be a long, winding road.”

Legal and Mental‑Health Considerations

The case spotlights a tension in the UK legal system: balancing public safety with the rights of individuals who suffer from severe mental illness. Windsor’s defence hinged on a not‑guilty‑by‑reason‑of‑insanity plea, yet the jury ultimately found him criminally responsible.

Legal experts note that recent amendments to the Stalking Protection Act of 2019 have given courts broader discretion to impose hospital orders when mental health is a factor. “Judges now have to weigh the risk of re‑offending against the need for treatment,” says solicitor Gary Patel, who specializes in criminal defence. “The upcoming sentencing will be a bellwether for how these cases are handled moving forward.”

What Comes Next?

What Comes Next?

Windsor’s sentencing is slated for early November 2025. If the court opts for a custodial term, he could face up to five years behind bars. A hospital order would place him under the care of a secure psychiatric facility, with regular reviews to assess his risk to the public.

For Klass and Breathwick, the focus now shifts to rebuilding a sense of normalcy. Both women have hinted at taking a short break from on‑air duties, while Classic FM has pledged to enhance security protocols for all its talent.

Meanwhile, advocacy groups such as the UK Stalking Victims' Alliance are calling for stricter penalties and better support services for victims. “This verdict is a step forward, but we need a system that prevents harassment before it escalates,” says campaigner Aisha Khan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this conviction affect other stalking victims?

The verdict sends a clear message that prolonged harassment will be taken seriously by the courts. It may encourage other victims to come forward, knowing that even complex cases involving mental‑health defenses can result in convictions.

What are the possible sentencing outcomes for Peter Windsor?

Judge Tom Rochford can impose a custodial term of up to five years, or order Windsor to be detained in a secure psychiatric hospital. The decision will hinge on assessments of his risk to the public and his treatment needs.

Why were the earlier letters to Nicola Sturgeon not prosecuted?

Prosecutors concluded there was insufficient evidence to secure a conviction at that time, and the focus remained on the more extensive stalking campaign against Klass and Breathwick, which carried clearer evidentiary links.

What support is Classic FM providing to its presenters?

Classic FM has announced a review of its security measures, offering counselling services to staff and tightening protocols around mail and package deliveries to its London studios.

How does paranoid schizophrenia influence legal responsibility?

While a diagnosis can be a mitigating factor, UK law requires that the defendant understand the nature of their act and that it was wrong. In Windsor’s case, the jury concluded he retained sufficient awareness to be held criminally liable.