Former England Rugby International Convicted of Stalking Comedian Joe Lycett
A former professional rugby player who represented England at international level has been convicted of stalking Birmingham comedian and television personality Joe Lycett. Sam Egerton, 34, was found guilty this week at Birmingham Magistrates' Court following a sustained campaign of harassment that lasted more than four months.
Rugby Career and Legal Background
The court heard that Egerton, an Oxford University law graduate, had an impressive rugby career before turning to law. His professional details revealed he played for England sevens in 2016 and signed for top-flight clubs Harlequins and Newcastle Falcons during his sporting career. After retiring from professional rugby, he returned to his former club Stafford in 2019 while pursuing his legal career.
During proceedings, Egerton told the court he had previously been sectioned under mental health legislation. His behaviour in court was so disruptive that he received a final warning from Judge Ikram, who threatened to remove him from the dock for repeatedly interrupting proceedings.
Sustained Campaign of Harassment
The stalking campaign began on August 21 last year when Egerton, who lived on the same Kings Heath street as the comedian, started sending abusive messages to Mr Lycett via social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The harassment continued for over four months despite police intervention ordering Egerton to cease contact.
Mr Lycett told the court on Wednesday, February 4, that he became increasingly concerned for the safety of himself and his family as the messages escalated. Particularly worrying were posts that referenced his baby and specific details about his location that were not publicly known.
Menacing Messages and Direct Confrontation
The most threatening message came in January this year when Egerton posted: "As soon as I see him in the courtroom I'm going to shout as loud as I possibly can. You are in the deepest hell, you will die very soon."
Mr Lycett described an incident where he was putting his baby in the car ready to go shopping when he noticed Egerton walk past. After driving off, he "clocked eyes" with Egerton who was sitting on a wall nearby. The comedian told his girlfriend that the man "makes me feel nervous."
Victim's Response and Court Proceedings
Despite the distress caused, Mr Lycett expressed concern for Egerton's wellbeing during his testimony. He stated: "I'm concerned for Mr Egerton and his wellbeing, 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. I wish him no ill will, I don't want a custodial sentence or for him to be locked up."
During the trial, Egerton was screened from the comedian by a black curtain pulled around one side of the dock. In multiple outbursts, he claimed the trial was "unfair," requested a muzzle, and even asked the judge for his name.
Defendant's Testimony and Mental Health
Giving evidence himself, Egerton acknowledged he was not "articulating myself very well" as he went off on multiple tangents. He confirmed he had been sectioned in 2019 and told the court he felt suicidal. Regarding his rugby career, he claimed he quit due to "political reasons" and said a law firm he worked at was "not happy with my Tweets."
Egerton confessed to posting "terribly nasty" things but claimed he did not mean them, stating: "I wanted to see if he was man enough to let me know this was rattling." He denied being jealous of Mr Lycett's success, saying he had "no desire" to be famous or have anything to do "with anyone within the Satanic cult."
Sentencing Adjourned
Judge Ikram has adjourned sentencing until April 24 and ordered both a pre-sentence report and psychiatric assessment to be carried out. Egerton was granted bail with strict conditions prohibiting him from contacting Mr Lycett or attending part of the street where the comedian lives in Kings Heath.
The case highlights the serious nature of stalking offences and the particular challenges when the perpetrator has a public profile from previous sporting achievements. It also raises questions about mental health support for individuals transitioning from professional sports careers to other professions.
