Daniel Bannister, a 50-year-old convicted killer, has been sentenced to 16 weeks in jail for breaching a restraining order and stalking Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Tweedy. Bannister repeatedly visited Tweedy’s Buckinghamshire home, causing her significant distress and fear for her safety.
*Previous Incidents and Restraining Order*
The court heard that Bannister had previously turned up at Tweedy’s home in January and July 2024, making unsettling comments. In January, he claimed he had “come to get Cheryl,” and in July, he said, “I’m really thirsty, I just want a glass of wine please.” These incidents led to a restraining order being put in place to protect Tweedy.
*December Incident and Sentencing*
Despite the order, Bannister rang the bell at Tweedy’s gate on December 10, 2024, prompting her to panic and fear for her safety. Tweedy told police she was concerned Bannister was looking for a way into the property and wanted to protect her child from potential harm. District Judge Arvind Sharma sentenced Bannister to 16 weeks in jail, noting that he knew Tweedy was “very distressed and upset” by his actions.¹
*Bannister’s Conviction and Past*
Bannister’s history of violence includes a conviction for manslaughter in 2012, when he killed 48-year-old Rajendra Patel in a south London YMCA shelter. This conviction, combined with his deliberate breaches of the restraining order, led to a longer prison term and an indefinite restraining order.
*Tweedy’s Fears and Concerns*
As the mother of a son with former One Direction star Liam Payne, Tweedy expressed fears over protecting her child after Payne’s tragic death in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She described Payne’s death as “indescribably painful” and highlighted her concerns for her son’s safety.
*Crown Prosecution Service Statement*
Kathleen O’Callaghan of the Crown Prosecution Service emphasized the impact of stalking on victims, stating, “The unwanted attention of offenders like Daniel Bannister can leave victims feeling alarmed and fearful.” She added that Bannister’s deliberate breaches of the restraining order were taken seriously due to their timing and nature, resulting in a longer prison term and indefinite restraining order.
Be the first to comment