Saturday, April 17, 2010

Woman jailed for stalking Freddie Mercury tribute act

An obsessed fan of rock band Queen has been jailed for eight months for stalking a Freddie Mercury tribute act. Unmarried Marie Lewis, 27, made life a misery for professional impersonator Billy West, 45, who has performed more than 3,000 shows.

She made false accusations to the singer's wife that he was cheating on her with other women and tried to attack him on stage. Cardiff crown court heard how she became a fan after seeing him perform three years ago.



For 18 months she followed his gigs across Britain but grew jealous of his "glamorous lifestyle".

Lewis then tracked Mr West - real name William Westmoreland - to his home and wife Susan in Fife and began calling at all times. Prosecutor David Pinnell said: "She phoned his wife, sent abusive letters and a tarantula skin saying I hope it scares you."


Photo from here.

In October 2008, she climbed on stage in Swansea and tried to assault him but was caught by security. Lewis then harassed him while he turned on the Christmas lights in Cwmbran, Gwent. When she was arrested in October she said she had a tough time after her partner died and with mentally ill relatives. Jeff Jones, defending, said: "She acknowledges her behaviour was cruel, relentless, vile."

Lewis, of Ebbw Vale, Gwent, admitted harassment and was also given a restraining order. Mr Westmoreland said: "It's been awful, we hope it's the end."

1 comment:

arbroath said...

When she was arrested in October she said she had a tough time after her partner died and with mentally ill relatives.

Is she sure that the relatives are the only ones that are mentally ill?