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When Peter Windsor, a 61‑year‑old resident of Stechford, Birmingham, walked into Birmingham Crown Court this week, the courtroom buzzed with a mixture of horror and disbelief.
The former TV presenter Myleene Klass and her Classic FM colleague Katie Breathwick have been at the centre of a disturbing stalking saga that stretched from 2020 to 2024. Adding a bizarre twist, Windsor mailed a letter to former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in October 2020, claiming it was "signed in blood" and that he had "pledged his soul to Satan."
Prosecutors, led by Timothy Sapwell, are now seeking convictions on two counts of stalking causing serious alarm or distress. Windsor, who suffers from schizophrenia, denies the charges, arguing that his actions were a misguided attempt at gaining attention.
Background on the Allegations
The story began in early 2020 when Classic FM’s London studios started receiving unsettling parcels addressed to the station. Staff reported receiving an air pistol, a pair of handcuffs, and even a DIY‑will kit – items that, while not illegal in themselves, signalled a clear intent to intimidate.
Both Klass and Breathwick were targeted repeatedly. Klass, known for her work on BBC Breakfast and as a former member of the pop group All Stars, later told the press she felt "deeply unsettled" by the barrage of strange objects and letters.
Details of the Stalking Campaign
According to the Crown Prosecution Service, Windsor’s campaign included:
- Anonymous parcels containing an air pistol, handcuffs, and a DIY‑will kit sent between 2020 and 2024.
- Multiple handwritten letters threatening the presenters and demanding they “listen to his message.”
- Phone calls to the station’s reception desk that were later traced back to a public landline in Birmingham.
Prosecutors say the pattern fits the legal definition of stalking causing serious alarm: a repeated course of conduct that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety.
The Letter to Nicola Sturgeon
In October 2020, Windsor mailed an 11‑page document to Sturgeon’s constituency office in Glasgow. The letter, which he later described as "signed in blood," included a crude doodle resembling a drop of blood and a declaration that he had "pledged his soul to Satan." The content ranged from vague references to "groups of people" – Freemasons, politicians, and doctors – to a chilling threat that he might "visit her to discuss" these groups.
When the letter resurfaced during the 2023 police investigation, prosecutors chose not to pursue a separate charge for that incident, citing insufficient evidence that the letter itself constituted a criminal threat. Nonetheless, the letter became a focal point in court, illustrating Windsor’s erratic mindset.
Court Proceedings and Defense
At Birmingham Crown Court, Windsor took the stand in his own defence, delivering a rambling testimony that shed light on his motivations. He told the judge:
"They are always criminal suspects and police always come around to them for doing the slightest thing. I thought I will be a bit controversial. And maybe more people will know me and say ‘there he is’ in the pub."
His lawyer argued that Windsor’s schizophrenia, diagnosed in 2019, rendered him incapable of forming the specific intent required for stalking under current law. The defence also highlighted the lack of any physical harm caused by the parcels.
Prosecutors, however, emphasized the emotional toll on Klass and Breathwick. Katherine Jones, a mental‑health advocate who consulted for the case, testified that “the sustained fear and anxiety experienced by the victims is a very real form of harm.”
Reactions and Wider Implications
The case has sparked a broader conversation about how the legal system handles stalking cases involving mental‑health issues. Advocacy groups argue that while treatment is essential, it should not become a shield against accountability.
Classic FM issued a statement after the trial began, saying it remains committed to the safety of its staff and will cooperate fully with law‑enforcement to prevent similar incidents.
Meanwhile, Sturgeon’s office released a brief comment, noting that the letter was “deeply disturbing” but reaffirming that no threat was perceived against her personally.
Legal experts predict that the outcome could set a precedent for how courts weigh psychiatric diagnoses against the severity of a victim’s distress. "If the jury accepts the defence’s argument that schizophrenia absolves intent, we could see a chilling effect on future stalking prosecutions," warned Dr. Alan Whitaker, a criminal‑law professor at the University of Birmingham.
What Comes Next?
The trial is slated to continue through late November, with the jury expected to deliberate on the two counts of stalking shortly thereafter. If convicted, Windsor faces up to five years per count, though sentencing will likely consider his mental‑health status.
Regardless of the verdict, the case underscores the need for media outlets, radio stations, and public figures to have robust security protocols and support systems for those targeted by obsessive individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly did Peter Windsor send to Classic FM?
Between 2020 and 2024 Windsor mailed an air pistol, a set of handcuffs, a DIY‑will kit brochure, and several handwritten threats to Classic FM’s London studios. While none of the items were illegal, the pattern was deemed intimidating and formed part of the stalking charges.
Why wasn’t the “blood‑signed” letter to Nicola Sturgeon a separate charge?
Prosecutors concluded there was insufficient evidence that the letter itself threatened Sturgeon’s safety. Without a clear, actionable threat, they opted to focus on the stalking offenses tied to the radio presenters, where the victims’ distress was well‑documented.
How does Windsor’s schizophrenia affect the case?
His defence argues that the diagnosis impairs his ability to form the specific intent required for stalking. The prosecution, however, points out that intent can be inferred from the pattern of behaviour and the severe emotional impact on the victims.
What could be the legal consequences if Windsor is found guilty?
Each count of stalking causing serious alarm carries a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment. Sentencing would also consider his mental‑health condition, potentially resulting in a blended custodial‑treatment order.
What steps are media organisations taking to protect staff?
Classic FM has updated its parcel‑screening protocol, installed additional CCTV at its London facilities, and provided counseling services for staff affected by the incident. Industry‑wide, many broadcasters are reviewing threat‑assessment policies.