Former BBC DJ Alex Belfield has been found guilty of relentlessly harassing other broadcasters, including Jeremy Vine, who he subjected to an “avalanche of hate”.
The former radio presenter, who presented on BBC Radio Leeds, was labeled “the Jimmy Savile of trolls” during a trial in which he was heard to have repeatedly posted or sent abusive messages, videos and emails.
Jurors at Nottingham Crown Court accepted that Belfield caused serious alarm or distress to two victims and was found guilty of “simple harassment” in relation to Channel 5 and BBC Radio 2 presenter Mr Vine and theater blogger Philip Dehaney.
Vine also testified against Belfield, telling jurors: “This is no ordinary troll here. This is the Jimmy Savile of trolls.”
Describing watching Belfield’s video output as like swimming in sewage, Mr Vine said: “It felt like I had a fish hook in my face and my flesh was being torn apart, and the only way I could ‘to avoid further pain was to remain completely still.’
Jurors convicted the YouTube host, who in recent years created a channel known as Celebrity Radio, after deliberating for 14 hours and 27 minutes.
The 42-year-old was also found guilty of harassing BBC Radio Northampton presenter Bernie Keith and videographer Ben Hewis.
Image: Belfield convicted of ‘simple’ harassment in relation to Jeremy Vine
Belfield told the court he was the victim of a social media “hoarding” and a “witch hunt” by other broadcasters after exercising his rights to freedom of speech in communications with the complainants.
Opening the Crown’s case last month, prosecutor John McGuinness QC said Vine was subjected to a “constant bombardment” of harassing tweets and YouTube videos in 2020.
The presenter, the court heard, faced a wave of abuse online after false and completely unfounded claims were made relating to the alleged theft of £1,000.
Belfield is said to have developed a “dislike, almost hatred” for Mr Vine after the BBC donated the sum to a memorial fund set up to honor a friend of the broadcaster.
Giving evidence, Mr Vine said: “I found it shocking and distressing and it worried me. In the past I have had a physical stalker follow me around.
“That’s a picnic compared to this guy. It’s like an avalanche of hate hitting you.”
Belfield was found not guilty of harassment charges in relation to former BBC Northern boss Rozina Breen, former BBC Radio Leeds presenters Liz Green and Stephanie Hirst and ex-BBC worker Helen Thomas.
Mr McGuinness told the court: “It is not suggested that the defendant’s conduct involved physical harassment … although the effect of what Alex Belfield did was such that some were indeed concerned about the possibility that Mr. Belfield would appear at his house.
“The harassment this case is about is of a different kind and more akin to internet trolling.
“The alleged victims did not want to be contacted by Alex Belfield, they did not want to see or hear or know what he was saying about them.
“But he went ahead and did it anyway, says the prosecution, harassing them non-stop, knowing or knowing that he was harassing them, to the point that what he did caused them serious alarm or distress that adversely affected their daily life. “
He was granted bail and will be sentenced on September 16.