A court has heard that Laura Peel, Hugh Grant’s former personal assistant, was allegedly subjected to sustained abuse and stalking by her mother, Michelle Scully, after Scully was asked to help care for Peel’s newborn son. Prosecutors say the campaign included attacks on the couple’s parenting, threats and repeated abusive messages, leaving Peel feeling suicidal and causing serious distress to her and her husband.

Scully, 60, denies two stalking charges covering 2022 to 2024, although she admits abusing her daughter and says she was motivated by concern for her grandson. The jury heard that she allegedly contacted Peel’s husband’s law firm, reported him to the Solicitors Regulation Authority, pursued court proceedings and demanded £225,000 from the couple, while also trying to involve Grant in the dispute; the trial is taking place at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.