MAN GUILTY OF STALKING COMEDIAN JOE LYCETT
A man has been adjudged guilty of stalking Birmingham comedian Joe Lycett, including issuing threats that he would 'die very soon'.Sam Egerton launched a campaign of harassment after discovering that he and Mr Lycett shared the same street, located in Kings Heath.
Over more than four months, the 34-year-old sent numerous abusive messages via the social platform 'X', formerly known as Twitter, and was seen loitering near the comedian's house.
Some of Egerton’s communications made references to Mr Lycett’s baby.
On Wednesday, February 4, during a hearing at Birmingham Magistrates' Court, Mr Lycett shared that he was increasingly worried about his safety and that of his family.
Despite the aggressive messages, he clarified that he held no resentment towards Egerton and hoped he would receive proper care rather than face imprisonment.
Egerton, now residing on Livingston Road, Perry Barr, was found guilty of stalking.
The proceedings were somewhat disorderly, with Egerton repeatedly interrupting during the trial and nearly being removed from the courtroom.
He claimed to have former experience playing rugby for England and to hold a law degree from Oxford University.
He also admitted to past psychiatric treatment, prompting District Judge Tanweer Ikram to order a psychiatric assessment and a pre-sentence report.
Mr Lycett, who has lived in his Kings Heath home for almost ten years, said he had never met Egerton before receiving his initial message on August 21 of the previous year.
Egerton had referenced his own street and accused the comedian of being 'too scared to walk past', describing himself as a 'war general with PTSD'.
Lycett expressed concern that Egerton revealed his residential street, which was not publicly known.
He noted it was unusual that Egerton shared his own location and identity, whereas most unsolicited messages he received were more anonymous.
An additional message from Egerton stated he was 'making Joe Lycett hop about like he can't live his life', which Lycett found worrying and threatening.
He recounted an incident at his car where Egerton was walking past, recognizing him by sight, and feeling nervous after making eye contact.
His worries increased when he saw a message from Egerton mentioning his baby, implying surveillance.
Another message on 'X' saw Egerton calling himself the 'top dog' on the street and suggesting Mr Lycett was 'rattled' by being out with friends and family, further escalating his feelings of unease.
Lycett made a detailed timeline of the incidents and contacted authorities to document the case properly.
He described the experience as one of feeling intimidated rather than bullied.
Doorbell footage captured Egerton shouting about a comedian outside Lycett’s home in the early morning hours.
Lycett admitted he was puzzled by the messages' overall meaning, describing their volume as overwhelming and nonsensical.
He confirmed that Egerton persisted in sending these messages despite police warnings not to contact him again.
The most menacing X post was made in January this year.
It said: "As soon as I see him in the courtroom I'm going to shout as loud as I possibly can.
"You are in the deepest hell, you will die very soon." Summarising the impact on himself, Mr Lycett said: "Naturally the fact I'm here I feel there's some concern for my safety or the safety of my family.
"I don't want to be here, I don't want to have to go through this process.
"I'm concerned for Mr Egerton and his wellbeing, I want him to be supported and looked after and I ideally want some sort of system, a restraining order to keep him away from me for my security.
"I wish him no ill will, I don't want a custodial sentence or for him to be locked up.
I want him to be looked after." Egerton was screened from the comedian by a black curtain pulled around one side of the dock.
In a number of relentless outbursts he claimed the trial was 'unfair', requested a muzzle and even asked the judge for his name.
At one point Judge Ikram gave him a 'final warning' to be quiet otherwise he would be removed.
Egerton went off on multiple tangents while giving evidence himself and acknowledged he was not 'articulating myself very well'.
He ranted about Mr Lycett saying: "He's enjoying the idea of coming to court, he has his long list of Tweets.
He's come prepared.
He's lapping this up.
He's enjoying it.
"He gets the guy who has been annoying people by protesting against the place." Egerton confirmed he had been sectioned in 2019 and told the court he felt suicidal.
He revealed he obtained a law degree from Oxford and played rugby for England before quitting due to 'political reasons'.
He further claimed a law firm he worked at was 'not happy with my Tweets'.
Egerton said: "That's why I'm here.
All this compulsive Tweeting, I have got an addictive compulsion, I have been taken by it." He denied being jealous of Mr Lycett's success saying he had 'no desire' to be famous or have anything to do 'with anyone within the Satanic cult'.
Egerton confessed he posted 'terribly nasty' things but said he did not mean them.
He said: "I wanted to see if he was man enough to let me know this was rattling." After announcing the guilty verdict to stalking Judge Ikram adjourned sentencing until April 24.
He said: "You have said things during the course of these proceedings that have caused me some concern.
I want you to work with the probation officer." Egerton was granted bail with conditions not to contact Mr Lycett or attend part of the street where he lives.
