TV presenter Cathy Newman has spoken out about the emotional toll of being stalked by a man who sent her disturbing sexual letters and underwear. Newman, 52, also criticized the police's handling of her case, stating it gave her "a new insight into the challenges women face in securing justice."
Christopher McKeever, 76, pleaded guilty to a single charge of stalking without fear, alarm, or distress at Colchester Magistrates Court. The offenses occurred between July 3, 2024, and April 12, 2026. McKeever sent Newman "unwanted letters" containing lewd language, as well as a "multi-pack of white briefs" and flowers as gifts. These actions continued despite repeated warnings from Newman's then-employer, ITN.
One letter from McKeever read: "I love the clothes you wear, you are a fashion icon. I love your gorgeous hair it must be the most beautiful in the world...Your voice I could listen to all day. Lots love." He signed it "Dr Chris." Another letter contained explicit sexual references.
ITN's legal team had sent McKeever a "cease and desist letter" on April 8, 2025, followed by another on November 6. The prosecution stated that McKeever had "pursued a course of conduct" amounting to stalking and had sent gifts that he knew or ought to have known constituted harassment. Court records indicate McKeever has two prior convictions for similar offenses from January 2014 and January 2016.
Following the guilty plea, Newman issued a statement expressing her distress over the graphic sexual messages and gifts. "The fact that I heard from the media before police or prosecutors about McKeever's guilty plea speaks volumes about how victims are treated by the system and gives me new determination to speak for other women and girls facing similar obstacles to justice," she said.
The court adjourned for a pre-sentence report and for Newman to prepare a victim impact statement. McKeever, of Colchester, was banned from contacting Newman "in any form whatsoever" as part of his bail conditions. He is scheduled to appear for sentencing on January 25, 2027.
Newman has been a victim of stalking previously. In 2018, she received death threats and misogynistic abuse following an interview on Channel 4 News. In 2014, a man was ordered not to go within 50 meters of her and the ITN building after allegedly sending her 100,000 tweets and attempting to kiss her.
Newman left Channel 4 News earlier this year after two decades to host a nightly politics show on Sky News. She also presents a weekly show on Times Radio. Last year, she was recognized as 'Journalist of the Year' at the Royal Television Society Journalism Awards for her reporting on the Church of England abuse scandal.