Birmingham Stalker Sentenced for Terrorizing Myleene Klass and Colleague
A Birmingham stalker who sent an air pistol and disturbing letters to television and radio personality Myleene Klass has been sentenced to an indefinite hospital order. Peter Windsor, aged 61 and from Stechford, was found guilty last October of stalking both Klass and her Classic FM colleague Katie Breathwick over a prolonged period.
Four Years of Harassment and Fear
The trial at Birmingham Crown Court revealed that Windsor, who has a decades-long history of mental illness, caused significant alarm and distress to both women by posting unwanted items between March 2020 and August 2024. Klass described feeling "sheer terror" after receiving packages, including one containing "a gun in a box with my name on it."
Other items sent to the radio station's central London studios included what was described as "unhinged" mail, a police uniform, and details of a DIY will-writing kit. The court heard that Windsor's actions made Breathwick "hyper-vigilant and constantly anxious," leading to sleeplessness, panic attacks, and migraines.
Psychological Impact on Victims
Klass testified that Windsor's behavior had a "severe and pervasive" psychological effect on every aspect of her work and home life, making her suspicious of strangers and even acquaintances. She expressed fear that Windsor "might seek revenge" and that others might imitate his actions, which distracted her from community and charity work.
During the trial, Breathwick revealed she received numerous hand-written notes, binoculars, perfume, and running shoes from Windsor. She informed Klass about approximately 100 notes and gifts, believing her colleague needed to be aware of potential risks.
Bizarre and Unpredictable Conduct
The court heard disturbing details about Windsor's communications, including a note calling Klass a "naughty vixen" and a letter expressing his desire to go paddling in a lake with both women while drinking Champagne. It also emerged that Windsor had previously sent a letter to Scotland's then-first minister Nicola Sturgeon, which he claimed was "signed in blood" and "pledged his soul to Satan."
Windsor, diagnosed with schizophrenia, claimed he was not guilty by reason of insanity and described his actions as a "pretend weird" acting performance. However, jurors reached unanimous guilty verdicts after just four hours of deliberation.
Sentencing and Psychiatric Assessment
Judge Tom Rochford, passing sentence at Coventry Crown Court, told Windsor: "What you did caused both women considerable harm, fear and distress. Both were visibly and obviously distressed when they gave their evidence." The judge acknowledged Windsor's paranoid schizophrenia but noted he believed the defendant knew his actions were wrong and showed an "escalating pattern of conduct."
Consultant psychiatrist Dr. Nicholas Kennedy stated in a report that Windsor required long-term treatment for schizophrenia and displayed chronic delusions with limited understanding of his behavior's impact on victims. The defense noted Windsor had been in custody for approximately 18 months and had never attempted physical contact with his victims.
Police Response and Community Impact
Detective Sergeant Marius Dinescu from Birmingham Police commented after the case: "Peter Windsor made Myleene and Katie fear for their safety over the course of just over four years. He sent up to 100 parcels to their workplace, consistently sending unwanted items in a clear case of escalating behavior."
The police commended both women for their bravery in reporting the incidents and testifying in court, noting that stalking represents a serious crime that undermines safety and has devastating effects on victims, particularly in the context of violence against women and girls.
Windsor received both a hospital order and a restraining order preventing him from contacting Klass or Breathwick in the future.
