Street 'stalker' charged

Tracy Shaw alleges harassment

A man accused of stalking Coronation Street star Tracy Shaw and harassing two other female cast members has appeared in court.

Miss Shaw, 26, who plays hairdresser Maxine in the soap, called in police alleging she was being continually pestered by Kevin Sedgwick.

Miss Shaw, along with Jacqueline Pirie (Linda) and Jennifer James (new barmaid Geena) won protection from the 42-year-old bachelor in April.

My life has been turned upside down

Tracy Shaw

He was warned by Greater Manchester Police under the Protection from Harassment Act, known as the "stalking law". But the actresses allege he has continued to be a pest.

At Manchester City Magistrates on Tuesday, stipendary magistrate Miriam Shelvey was told how Mr Sedgwick would hang around the grounds of Granada Studios in Manchester, put his arms around Miss Shaw and ask for a kiss.

Miss Shaw told police: "I am constantly looking over my shoulder he has become such a nuisance... my life has been turned upside down."

Assault conviction

Mr Sedgwick, of Wigan, Greater Manchester, pleaded guilty to harassing Miss Shaw between June 1995 and August of this year.

But he entered no plea on two further charges of harassing Miss Shaw's street co-stars, Miss Reynolds and Miss Pirie.

Jacqueline Pirie claims she was pestered

The court also heard that in 1995, the bachelor was convicted of assaulting former Street star Beverley Callard, who played Liz McDonald.

Mr Dobson said Mr Sedgwick had been a regular visitor to Granada studios since 1994.

He would stop members of the Coronation Street cast, particularly Miss Shaw, and ask for autographs, he said.

'Love letters'

Prosecutor Philip Dobson said when the star began travelling to work by car to avoid Mr Sedgwick, he would stand in the middle of the road and stop her from getting into the studio car park.

In a statement Miss Shaw said letters he sent her sounded "as if he were in love", referring to her as "babe" and "darling".

Jennifer James - Street newcomer

The court heard how on 31 July this year, the defendant sent her another letter.

When police went to his home he said: "Please don't arrest me, I won't do it again. I know I will be locked up this time," the court was told.

Mr Sedgwick was bailed until 6 September for sentence and warned by the court to keep out of the city centre and not to contact any of the actresses.