The tense silence inside Birmingham Crown Court was finally broken on October 7, 2025, when the jury returned a unanimous verdict: Peter Windsor, a 61-year-old man from Stechford, Birmingham, was found guilty of stalking TV and radio presenter Myleene Klass and her Classic FM colleague, Katie Breathwick. The decision brought to a close more than four years of escalating anxiety, fear, and uncertainty for both women—years marked by a disturbing campaign of unwanted letters and bizarre gifts that left them, in Klass’s own words, in a state of “sheer terror.”
According to Sky News, Windsor’s campaign began in March 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic upended everyday life. For Klass and Breathwick, the pandemic’s isolation was compounded by a constant stream of unsolicited packages delivered to Classic FM’s central London studios. The gifts were far from innocent: an air pistol, handcuffs, a police uniform, silver rosary beads, a stamp collection, and even a DIY will-writing kit. Each item was accompanied by letters that veered from the cryptic to the alarming, sometimes referencing wild geese or war movies, other times containing unsettling personal remarks.
One letter addressed to Klass called her a “naughty vixen,” while another sent to Breathwick included an invitation to go paddling in a lake with both women, drinking champagne. As BBC reported, Breathwick described how the correspondence began with a note about Windsor’s exercise routine—"how many push-ups and pull-ups he had done"—but quickly escalated into something much darker. “It was weird. It was a note of a personal nature talking about me as if he knew me,” she told jurors. The arrival of binoculars in the mail, she said, left her “really frightened” and convinced that Windsor was watching her.
For Klass, the turning point came when Royal Mail intercepted a package containing an air pistol addressed to her. She recounted to the court, “It just felt extreme on every front.” The shock and fear were so great that, initially, her employer’s security staff withheld information about the full extent of the mailings to avoid worrying her. But as the evidence mounted, Klass was shown a list of items and photographs of the letters. “It was very clear, very quickly, that it was a highly volatile selection of items. It’s a huge violation. It’s sheer terror, really.”
The emotional toll was profound. Breathwick told the court she had received about 100 notes and gifts, many of which she described as “raving” and “unhinged.” She explained, “I was terrified—I was terrified because what was his intention?” Both women were forced to alter their routines and remain vigilant, their sense of safety eroded by the knowledge that each new delivery could bring something even more threatening.
During the trial, Windsor’s mental health was a central issue. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia for more than 30 years, Windsor pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. He testified that his actions were part of a “pretend weird” acting performance intended to draw attention to the struggles faced by people living on benefits. “Just to try and draw attention to the plight of people who have been on benefit, like I have, for 30 years. 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,” Windsor told the court, as reported by Sky News.
Windsor’s behavior extended beyond the two presenters. The court learned that in 2020, he sent a letter to then-Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, claiming it was “signed in blood” and pledging his soul to Satan. This letter led to his arrest in January 2023, but prosecutors chose not to pursue charges at that time. Windsor, who used several aliases and changed his surname by deed poll, maintained that his actions were a form of performance rather than genuine threats.
Yet, as Judge Tom Rochford made clear, the impact on the victims was all too real. “The offences had clearly been a traumatic experience for both Ms Klass and Mrs Breathwick,” the judge stated. The jury deliberated for just over four hours before delivering their verdict, a testament to the weight of the evidence and the clarity of the case. Sentencing was adjourned to Warwick Crown Court, with options including prison or two types of hospital order under mental health legislation.
Breathwick’s testimony highlighted the insidious nature of stalking. She first received correspondence from Windsor at the start of the pandemic, initially dismissing it as odd but harmless. However, as the notes and gifts kept coming—some addressed to her alone, others to both presenters—her anxiety grew. The arrival of a DIY will-writing kit in March 2021 was a particularly chilling moment. “I thought he had sent me the binoculars to tell me he was watching me,” she told the court, her fear palpable.
After the verdict, Klass expressed gratitude to the judge, police, and Breathwick, saying, “After a horrific year, my family and I finally have peace.” Acting Detective Sergeant Marius Dinescu of West Midlands Police commended both women for their bravery: “There are not enough words to commend Myleene and Katie for reporting these incidents which escalated and persisted over a significant period of time.” He added, “Stalking is a serious crime with devastating effects on victims.”
The case has sparked broader conversations about the intersection of stalking, mental health, and public safety. Windsor’s schizophrenia was a significant factor in the proceedings, but the court found his actions crossed the line into criminality. The trial raised difficult questions about how society balances compassion for mental illness with the need to protect victims. Judge Rochford noted that Windsor “had not followed anyone and was not told to stop” until the trial—a common challenge in stalking cases, where intervention often comes only after significant harm has been done.
For Klass and Breathwick, the ordeal has underscored the vulnerability of public figures to targeted harassment, especially when the perpetrator exploits gaps in institutional awareness. Their willingness to speak out and pursue justice has brought attention to the need for stronger support systems and reporting channels for victims of stalking.
As the community awaits Windsor’s sentencing, the case stands as a stark reminder that stalking is not merely an inconvenience—it is a crime with deep and lasting effects. The conviction of Peter Windsor is not just a personal victory for Klass and Breathwick, but a call to action for greater awareness, prevention, and support for all those affected by stalking.
Ultimately, the courage of the victims and the clarity of the court’s verdict send a powerful message: no one should have to endure the terror of being stalked, and the justice system must continue to adapt to protect those at risk, no matter how complex the circumstances.
