Joe McElderry gives evidence in stalker trial

X Factor winner Joe McElderry told a court today that he was left feeling scared and intimidated by a man accused of stalking him and his mother.

The pop singer attended South Tyneside Magistrates' Court today to give evidence in the trial of Ennis McBride, who denies a charge of harassment.

The court heard that McBride, 52, from Stockport, turned up at McElderry's house on more than one occasion and sent him abusive tweets.

It was said that on 11 September 2011 McBride knocked on McElderry's front door while he was having a bath.

A friend answered the door and said he was not available.

McBride then went round to the singer's old house and spoke to McElderry's mother, Eileen Joyce, and accused Joe of being a liar.

Describing the incident, McElderry said: "I was feeling quite shaken and confused, and a bit creeped out.

"My mum sounded very alarmed and distressed and told me to lock the doors."

Then on 24 December 2011 the court heard that Ms Joyce saw McBride in Asda and later that day he was arrested at their home.

McElderry said: "My mum rang and said the stalker is back and he's in Asda.

"She sounded really upset but she was more concerned where I was and if I was with anyone.

"After that I went and locked the door. "We spent the evening writing out our statement when suddenly a police van pulled up and he was put into the van.

"I felt intimidated that someone would be standing in the dark outside my house and scared because it was Christmas Eve and it was the last thing I wanted to think about.

"I understand that I'm on the public platform and I appreciate the support I get but I don't think I should be made to feel unsafe in my own home."

The court heard that in November last year McBride appeared at one of McElderry's concerts and sat on the front row.

McElderry said: "I started the second last show and the same person who had been to my house was sitting on the front row and was staring at me.

"I was really scared and anxious and a bit taken aback.

"At the end of the show I always go along the front row and meet the fans, but as I approached the man I leaned forward, but he did not stand up like the rest of the audience.

"I had not felt threatened in that way until he came."

Giving evidence McElderry's mother Eileen Joyce said she felt anxious and bewildered when McBride appeared on her doorstep in September last year.

She said: "I was moving some furniture to a new house and a guy came and knocked on the door and asked where Joe was.

"I asked who he was and he said that was irrelevant.

"He said Joe was a liar and he had his best friend lying for him.

"I felt really anxious and I asked him to move off the doorstep. I felt nervous and bewildered."