Man from Chelmsford sentenced for online stalking and abuse of TV presenter Rachel Riley

Anthony Wells, a 31-year-old man from Chelmsford, Essex, was convicted of sending a persistent series of abusive messages and making disturbing online posts targeting TV presenter Rachel Riley. The court heard that Wells conducted an eight-month campaign of online abuse, during which he sent more than 500 abusive and sexual tweets. He falsely claimed that Rachel Riley was dying of cancer and accused her of having sex with a minor backstage at Countdown. Additionally, Wells wrote sinister songs about Riley, including one titled "God Left Her Alone (A Ode To The Dead Girl Rachel)," which contained violent and disturbing lyrics such as "I hope you die forever, I hope you cry forever, I hope you die now. I hope your eyes bleed and your skin dries and your dream dies." He also called her derogatory names and made threats like "Please someone execute this fiend of nature," and targeted Coldplay's Chris Martin with violent posts. Wells admitted to harassing Riley and was sectioned under the Mental Health Act. He was given a five-year restraining order preventing contact with Riley or Chris Martin and was diagnosed as paranoid schizophrenic. The court imposed the restraining order and sent Wells to hospital, acknowledging his mental health condition. The case highlights the importance of addressing online harassment, especially involving individuals with mental health issues.