Sky News presenter Cathy Newman has revealed the personal toll of being stalked by a man who sent her disturbing sexual letters and underwear. She also criticized the police's handling of her case, stating it provided her with "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 on Tuesday. The offenses occurred between July 3, 2024, and April 12, 2026. McKeever had sent Newman "unwanted letters" containing lewd language, along with a "multi-pack of white briefs" and flowers as gifts. He continued these actions despite repeated warnings from Newman's then-employer, ITN, which produces Channel 4 News.
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 graphic sexual references and expressed hope that she was wearing "white cotton lingerie."
Newman stated that receiving these messages and gifts over several years was "incredibly upsetting and intrusive." She expressed relief at McKeever's conviction but highlighted the lengthy process and police handling as contributing to the challenges faced by victims seeking justice. Newman added that learning of the guilty plea from the media before being informed by police or prosecutors "speaks volumes about how victims are treated by the system."
The court heard that ITN's legal team sent McKeever a "cease and desist letter" on April 8, 2025, followed by another on November 6. The prosecution stated McKeever had "pursued a course of conduct" amounting to stalking, sending gifts that "amounted to the harassment of her." McKeever has two prior convictions for similar offenses from 2014 and 2016.
McKeever, who represented himself, 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 was not present in court for his guilty plea.
This is not the first time Newman has been targeted. In 2018, she received death threats and misogynistic abuse after an interview. Previously, in 2014, a man was ordered not to approach within 50 meters of her or the ITN building after allegedly sending her 100,000 tweets and attempting to kiss her.
Newman recently moved from Channel 4 News to host a nightly politics show on Sky News. She also presents a weekly show on Times Radio. Last year, she received the "Journalist of the Year" award at the Royal Television Society Journalism Awards for her reporting on the Church of England abuse scandal.