Birmingham Comedian's Stalker Convicted After Menacing Social Media Campaign
A man has been found guilty of stalking Birmingham comedian Joe Lycett in a case that revealed disturbing threats and persistent harassment over several months. Sam Egerton, aged 34, was convicted at Birmingham Magistrates' Court after a trial that exposed a campaign of intimidation against the popular entertainer.
Five Months of Threats and Intimidation
The court heard how Egerton embarked on a sustained campaign of harassment against Mr Lycett after discovering they both lived on the same street in Kings Heath. Over more than four months, the defendant sent numerous abusive posts to the comedian on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, while also loitering outside his home.
Some of the most concerning messages referenced Mr Lycett's baby, with the comedian telling the court this confirmed someone was watching him and his family. The harassment escalated to the point where Egerton threatened that the star would 'die very soon' in one particularly menacing post made in January.
Comedian's Growing Safety Concerns
Mr Lycett described how his concern for his family's safety grew as the messages continued, even after police had ordered Egerton not to contact him. The comedian recalled one incident where he was putting his baby in the car ready to go shopping when he noticed Egerton walk past, leading to an uncomfortable moment where they 'clocked eyes' as the defendant sat on a wall nearby.
'I became increasingly concerned for the safety of myself and my family,' Mr Lycett told the court. 'It felt like a threat when he said he was making me hop about like I can't live my life.'
Surprising Background of the Defendant
During a chaotic trial that saw Egerton nearly thrown out for repeatedly interrupting proceedings, the defendant revealed a surprising background. He told the court he had once played rugby for England and obtained a law degree from Oxford University before quitting due to what he described as 'political reasons'.
Egerton also disclosed that he had been sectioned under the Mental Health Act in 2019 and told the court he had felt suicidal. He described himself as having an 'addictive compulsion' to posting on social media, admitting he had sent 'terribly nasty' messages but claimed he didn't mean them.
Compassionate Response from the Victim
Despite the distress caused by the stalking campaign, Mr Lycett expressed compassion toward his harasser during the proceedings. The comedian stated he had 'no ill will' toward Egerton and hoped he would be 'looked after' rather than 'locked up'.
'I'm concerned for Mr Egerton and his wellbeing,' Mr Lycett told the court. 'I want him to be supported and looked after and I ideally want some sort of system, a restraining order to keep him away from me for my security.'
Court Proceedings and Sentencing Adjournment
The trial saw dramatic moments, including Egerton being screened from the comedian by a black curtain and the defendant requesting a muzzle during proceedings. District Judge Tanweer Ikram gave Egerton a final warning to be quiet or face removal from the courtroom.
After announcing the guilty verdict for stalking, Judge Ikram expressed concern about Egerton's statements during the trial and ordered a pre-sentence report along with a psychiatric assessment. Sentencing was adjourned until April 24, with Egerton granted bail under conditions that prohibit him from contacting Mr Lycett or attending part of the street where the comedian lives.
The case highlights the serious impact of social media harassment and stalking, even when the victim is a public figure like Joe Lycett, who has lived at his Kings Heath address for nearly ten years without previous issues with the defendant.
