Newsreader Ellie Costello reveals year of stalker hell after Airline star Leo Jones bombarded her with creepy messages
NEWSREADER Ellie Costello has revealed her year of stalker hell after Airline star Leo Jones bombarded her with creepy messages.
The GB News journalist, 29, had only ever interviewed Jones via Zoom when he started telling her he "loved her" and she was his "sunshine", before sending her flowers and showing up at her work.
He also used different social media accounts to contact her after she told him his messages were " beyond inappropriate".
Jones' year-long campaign left Ellie so scared for her safety that she suffered sleepless nights, constant stress and panic attacks.
Ellie has now shared her year of hell after Jones, who found fame on ITV reality show Airline before reinventing himself as a travel expert, was given a five-year restraining order yesterday.
The 42-year-old was also given a suspended jail sentence at St Albans Magistrates' Court.
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Late last night Ellie uploaded an Instagram post saying she felt an "immense sense of relief" following the court hearing.
She had previously explained how she never actually met Jones in person - she had only interviewed him twice over Zoom last year.
Jones first made a name for himself on Airline, a show which ran from 1998 to 2006 and followed the lives of EasyJet workers in airports.
He then started calling himself a travel expert, and started talking about the industry under Covid restrictions.
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This was how he first met Ellie - in a video interview in August last year.
After the interview the pair exchanged messages merely thanking one another.
Jones was then interviewed by Ellie again in October, and after the segment he suggested the pair should present a travel show together.
He then told her: "I love seeing you in the morning X."
When Ellie didn't respond Jones followed up with: "You take my breath away."
Then, over the next three days, said "you motivate me beyond words", "I love seeing you", and "you are my sunshine I love you".
Jones then messaged and asked: "How long do I have to wait to see you it is driving me insane."
That was when Ellie finally replied and said: "Please stop messaging me it is beyond inappropriate."
But the messages only stopped for three months - Jones then made a separate Instagram account.
He message Ellie saying: "I know I'm not supposed to message you but thank you for everything you do for the travel industry."
Jones then said: "No one will ever come close to you."
Ellie then blocked all of his social media accounts.
'FROM LEO'
Then in June this year Jones showed up at the GB News studio asking if she was available.
He then sent flowers with a note that read: "Something to say a good morning from Leo X."
He also emailed the 29-year-old through her website that said: "Ellie I don't want to be like a stalker I have feelings for you you have been pivotal on my journey."
Then on the day of the Queen's funeral, as Ellie broadcast from the crowds on the Long Walk at Windsor Castle, she spotted Jones - with his hands in his pockets, laughing as he walked towards her.
Ellie frantically called the police, but says she was unable to get her words out and was only able to say "stalker" as she started having a panic attack.
When she managed to calm down, Jones had disappeared.
Yesterday, in the St Albans Magistrates' Court, Ellie told of how much of an impact Jones had had on her life and work.
She has even been given a bodyguard.
PANIC ATTACK
The reported that speaking of what unfolded on the day of the Queen's funeral, Ellie said: "I've been left shaken in the aftermath of Leo Jones getting so close to me.
"I had a panic attack, I couldn't breathe or speak, when I realised he had got so close to me I really freaked out.
"He must have followed me after watching my broadcast that morning.
";It has made me nervous about getting out of cars and going to places by myself."
Ellie said in her job it was "impossible"; to not say where she was, and that she now had a security officer to make her feel safe at work.
She added: ";The security officer has taught me ways to help keep myself safe, to wear less bright colours, to tie my hair up, how to position myself in relation to a road, to face outwards to see threats coming.
"I have had to change how I behave at work and everyday life.
"I would not wish this upon anyone. I just want to feel safe and safe at work."
'VERY DELUSIONAL'
Ellie said the last 16 months have been filled with "constant worry, constant stress and constant strain on my life".
She continued: "The thought of seeing his face makes me cry. I am frustrated at myself for letting it go on for so long.";
Ellie later told the Mail: "Some men watch female reporters and think they know you.
"He clearly felt by watching me that he knew me very well and we were in a relationship.
"I got the sense he was very delusional despite the fact we've never met in person, he acted as if we were in a relationship."
She added: "I was crying in the witness room before I came into court today, it took everything in my body to do it but I wanted the court to hear me in person in my own words what this has done to me."
Jones pleaded guilty causing the presenter serious alarm, distress and mental anguish and was given a 26-week custodial sentence, suspended for two years, and a five-year restraining order.
He is now a carer for his elderly father, the court heard.
Miss Costello added: "All I wanted out of this was a restraining order because then I can feel safe. So the fact I've got one for five years is fantastic."
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Meanwhile it was also revealed yesterday a super-complaint was lodged by safety groups about alleged police failures to deal with stalkers.
It comes as just five per cent of stalking complaints resulted in charges by the CPS with systemic police failings leaving many victims at risk, it is claimed.
Are you being stalked?
IF you are a victim of stalking, tell a friend, secure your social media, contact the police and call the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300.