Somerset man admits stalking BBC Points West presenter Alex Lovell

The letters had an "adverse effect" on Ms Lovell's daily life and they got more threatening from 2014. Credit: BBC

A man from Somerset has admitted to stalking BBC Points West presenter Alex Lovell and sending her threatening greetings cards, some even threatening rape.

68-year-old Gordon Hawthorn from Street has been sending the cards to Ms Lovell for six years. In 2014 they became sexual, including threats to commit rape.

Police say the newsreader contacted them in 2016 after advice from the BBC's security team.

The letters became more explicit in 2014, with threats to even commit rape. Credit: Avon and Somerset Police

Hawthorn was sending the cards to the BBC's studio in Whiteladies Road, usually signing them 'Gordon' with five crosses. They often had animals pictured on the front.

During their investigation police were helped by another member of the public, who had also received letters from him.

It was heard in Bristol Magistrates' Court today (29 November) that the stalking "had an averse effect" on Ms Lovell's day-to-day life.

Dr Nancy North, chair of the bench, told Hawthorn: "The offence that we have before us today is so serious that you need a greater punishment than we can give you."

Hawthorn will be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on January 3.