Quick Read
- Peter Windsor, 61, found guilty of stalking Myleene Klass and Katie Breathwick.
- He sent air gun, handcuffs, police uniform, disturbing letters and gifts between 2020-2024.
- Windsor diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia; pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
- Sentencing options include prison or hospital order; victims described ‘sheer terror’.
Conviction After Years of Fear: The Case Against Peter Windsor
The atmosphere inside Birmingham Crown Court was heavy with tension as the verdict was delivered: Peter Windsor, a 61-year-old man from Birmingham, was found guilty of stalking TV and radio presenter Myleene Klass and her Classic FM colleague Katie Breathwick. For more than four years, Windsor’s campaign of disturbing letters and unsolicited packages left both women feeling threatened and unsafe, marking a dark chapter in their professional lives.
According to Sky News, Windsor’s actions spanned from March 2020 to August 2024. The court heard harrowing testimony from Klass, who described feeling “sheer terror” when she received a parcel containing an air pistol, handcuffs, a police uniform, and other unsettling items. The Royal Mail’s interception of a package addressed to her was a turning point—one that made the danger feel suddenly real and immediate.
Chilling Correspondence and Unwanted Gifts
Windsor’s letters were anything but benign. One note called Klass a “naughty vixen,” while another referenced wild geese and war movies, leaving recipients bewildered and unnerved. Alongside the letters, Windsor sent items such as silver rosary beads with cryptic notes about “holy protection,” and even a stamp collection. Katie Breathwick, Klass’s colleague, received a DIY will-writing kit, binoculars, perfume, and running shoes—each package stoking her anxiety and sense of vulnerability.
As Mirror reported, Breathwick told the court she had received around 100 notes and gifts, many of which were “raving” and “unhinged.” The persistent nature of the correspondence forced her to alert Klass, believing her colleague should be aware of the escalating situation. For both women, the stream of mail became an unwanted fixture in their daily routines, each delivery a reminder of the stalker’s reach.
The Mindset and Motives of the Stalker
During the trial, Windsor’s mental health was a central issue. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia for over 30 years, Windsor pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. He testified that his actions were part of a “pretend weird” acting performance, designed to draw attention to the struggles of people living on benefits. According to Independent, Windsor claimed he wanted to be controversial—hoping that by being noticed, people would recognize him in public spaces.
Windsor’s correspondence did not stop with Klass and Breathwick. The court learned he had previously sent a letter to Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s former first minister, claiming it was “signed in blood” and pledging his soul to Satan. Although this led to his arrest in 2023, prosecutors chose not to press charges at that time. Windsor’s behavior, characterized by the use of multiple aliases and erratic communication, painted a troubling picture of obsession and instability.
Impact on Victims and Legal Response
The emotional toll on Myleene Klass and Katie Breathwick was profound. Klass recounted how receiving a gun in a box with her name on it left her “extremely shocked”—a moment when the threat became tangible. Breathwick described her fear for personal safety, particularly after the arrival of items that hinted at surveillance or control. Judge Tom Rochford, who presided over the case, acknowledged the traumatic impact of Windsor’s offenses and noted the unusual nature of the trial.
Jurors deliberated for just over four hours before reaching a unanimous guilty verdict. The judge outlined potential sentences for Windsor, which included imprisonment or hospital orders under mental health legislation. Sentencing has been adjourned to Warwick Crown Court, leaving both victims and the public awaiting final resolution.
Broader Implications: Stalking, Mental Health, and Public Safety
This case highlights the intersection of stalking, mental illness, and public safety—a convergence that often challenges the criminal justice system. Windsor’s schizophrenia was a significant factor, yet the court found that his actions went far beyond eccentricity, crossing into criminal territory. The trial raised difficult questions: How should society balance compassion for mental illness with the imperative to protect victims? What safeguards can workplaces and individuals put in place to detect and respond to stalking earlier?
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. Both women were left to navigate a maze of fear and uncertainty, relying on colleagues and law enforcement to restore a sense of safety. The judge’s remarks that Windsor “had not followed anyone and was not told to stop” until the trial reflect a recurring issue in stalking cases: the challenge of intervention before escalation.
Next Steps and Community Reflection
As sentencing approaches, attention will turn to the outcome for Windsor and the broader lessons for the media industry and society at large. The verdict serves as a reminder that stalking is not merely an inconvenience—it is a crime with deep and lasting effects. It also highlights the importance of clear reporting channels and support systems for those who find themselves targeted.
In the aftermath, Klass and Breathwick have begun to speak more openly about their experiences, hoping to encourage others to come forward and seek help. Their story is a testament to resilience in the face of fear—a call for greater awareness and collective action against stalking in all its forms.
The conviction of Peter Windsor is a landmark moment, not only for Myleene Klass and Katie Breathwick but for all those who have endured stalking in silence. By bringing the issue into the public eye, the case challenges us to rethink how we respond to harassment, emphasizing both the urgency of victim protection and the complexities of mental health in the justice process.

