Lindsay Cullen, 45, has avoided prison after waging a bizarre campaign of threats and abuse against former Hollyoaks and EastEnders actor David Kennedy, her on-off partner of several years. She repeatedly threatened to "expose" him by sending sexual pictures and private messages to friends, colleagues and a newspaper, leaving the 62-year-old actor fearing for his career and living in fear despite not being physically frightened of her. The case matters because it shows a court opting for a lengthy community-based rehabilitation package over custody despite offences a judge said would ordinarily justify jail.

Liverpool Magistrates' Court heard Cullen made repeated calls and voicemails, including one lasting 47 minutes and 61 calls in a single day, driven by jealousy over other women in Kennedy's life. She pleaded guilty to two breaches of a non-molestation order, two counts of stalking and one of harassment, and had already spent three weeks on remand for breaching bail. Judge James Clarke imposed an 18-month community order, a nine-month alcohol treatment order, a five-year restraining order banning her from Kennedy's home, a three-month tagging order and £199 in costs.