“It was absolutely terrifying”: BBC Star Anne McAlpine breaks silence as stalker is banned from her life forever

BBC Scotland newsreader Anne McAlpine has described a four-year stalking ordeal as “absolutely terrifying” after a court imposed a lifetime non-harassment order against the man who targeted her both at work and at her home.

The 39-year-old journalist and television presenter has now spoken publicly about the profound emotional and psychological toll of the sustained harassment, saying the experience left her feeling unsafe, exposed, and fearful in her own home.

Court Orders Lifetime Ban on Anne McAlpine’s Stalker

A Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that Robert Green, 71, engaged in a persistent course of conduct against McAlpine between February 2021 and November 2024, causing fear and alarm. Despite denying the charges, Green was found guilty and sentenced to two years’ supervision.

Sheriff Owen Mullan imposed a lifetime non-harassment order, legally banning Green from contacting or approaching McAlpine. The sheriff described the behaviour as “sinister, unwelcomed and upsetting”, adding that the sentence was a direct alternative to custody.

How the Stalking Began: Letters, Gifts and Fixation

McAlpine told BBC Scotland that the ordeal began in 2021 when handwritten letters started arriving at BBC Scotland’s headquarters in Glasgow. Signed in capital letters, the messages included declarations of love, poems, and gifts, ranging from CDs to jewellery.

At times, she received up to four letters a week. While unsettling, she initially dismissed them and did not report the behaviour, unaware that these communications would later become crucial evidence.

The letters suggested Green believed they were in a relationship. He claimed McAlpine was communicating with him through the clothes she wore on television, the colours she chose, and even how she held her pen while presenting.

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Escalation From Obsession to Real-World Threat

Although the letters briefly stopped after McAlpine became engaged in 2021, the situation escalated dramatically in 2024 when Green appeared outside her home late at night.

On one occasion, McAlpine spotted a man holding a carrier bag approaching her car as she was being dropped off by a colleague. Feeling uneasy, she asked the doors to be locked before leaving the area.

Weeks later, she was woken in the early hours by someone repeatedly ringing her doorbell. Looking outside, she saw a man standing in the road, staring up at her window while holding a carrier bag, the same detail that linked the incidents.

Police Arrest and Conviction

After neighbours reported Green attempting to gain access to the building while asking for McAlpine by name, she contacted police. Officers quickly connected the letters and the home visits, leading to Green’s arrest near her property.

He was later convicted at Glasgow Sheriff Court. The judge noted that while Green had no prior convictions, the seriousness of his conduct passed the custodial threshold, even though prison was ultimately avoided.

“No One Should Feel Unsafe in Their Own Home”

McAlpine said the experience has fundamentally changed her life, leaving her more anxious and introverted than before.

“It made me question everything, my home, my safety, even my career,” she said, admitting she briefly wondered whether continuing on television was worth the personal risk.

Despite the trauma, she expressed gratitude for the support she received from police and the justice system, emphasising how vital it is for victims of stalking to be believed and protected.

As she moves forward, McAlpine says the lifetime order has brought an unexpected sense of relief and closure, something many victims never receive.

FAQ

Who is Anne McAlpine?

Anne McAlpine is a BBC Scotland journalist and news presenter, best known for Reporting Scotland, Landward, and narrating Scotland’s Home of the Year.

What happened to Anne McAlpine?

She was stalked for nearly four years by a man who sent letters, gifts, and later appeared repeatedly outside her home, leaving her fearful and distressed.

Who was Anne McAlpine’s stalker?

The stalker was identified as Robert Green, a 71-year-old man from Glasgow, who was convicted of engaging in a sustained course of harassment.

What sentence did the stalker receive?

Green was sentenced to two years’ supervision and given a lifetime non-harassment order banning him from contacting or approaching Anne McAlpine.

Did Anne McAlpine speak in court?

Yes. She gave evidence describing the impact of the stalking, saying it left her terrified, vulnerable, and questioning her safety and career.

Is Anne McAlpine safe now?

The lifetime court order provides permanent legal protection, and McAlpine says it has given her a sense of closure and relief.

Why is this case significant?

The case highlights the dangers of long-term stalking, the importance of early reporting, and the lasting psychological impact on victims, particularly public figures.