Stalker who ‘terrified’ Cheryl jailed – as Girls Aloud singer feared for her and her son’s safety | Ents & Arts News
A man who stalked pop star Cheryl has been jailed for 16 weeks after leaving her “terrified”.
The Girls Aloud singer said she feared for her and her child’s safety after Daniel Bannister turned up at her Buckinghamshire home last December.
Bannister was already banned from doing so after being handed a restraining order and a four-month jail sentence last September, after visiting the property twice earlier in 2024 – in January and July.
High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court heard Bannister, who reportedly killed a man in 2012, “can’t stay away” from Cheryl.
The defendant, 50, admitted going to the 41-year-old’s house and ringing the bell at the gate on 10 December.
Cheryl “immediately panicked” when she spotted him outside her property for a third time, and was concerned for her seven-year-old son Bear, the court was told.
Cheryl ‘wants to protect child from harm’
Speaking about the December visit in a statement to police, the singer said: “I knew this was Daniel because I have had previous incidents where Daniel has come to my property.
“I immediately panicked when I saw Daniel. I feared for my safety and my child’s safety. My son was due back from the cinema and I didn’t want him to see Daniel.
“I was concerned he was looking for a way into the property. I want to protect my child from any harm.”
Daniel Bannister. Pic: PA/Thames Valley Police
Liam Payne’s death
The singer’s ex-partner Liam Payne died last October in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after falling from his third-floor hotel balcony.
She described the death of the former One Direction star as “indescribably painful”, as she voiced fears about protecting their son.
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Cheryl and her ex-partner Liam Payne in February 2018. Pic: Reuters
On Friday, Bannister was sentenced for two counts of harassment relating to the breach of a restraining order, and one count of attempting to breach a restraining order.
District Judge Arvind Sharma also handed Bannister a new restraining order, banning him from contacting the singer.
Judge Sharma said Bannister knew the star was “very distressed and upset” by what he was doing.
The January 2024 visit
In the January 2024 visit, the court was told Bannister spoke through an intercom system at the gate, claiming he had “come to get Cheryl”.
“He said ‘it’s Daniel, I’ve come to get Cheryl’,” prosecutor Datta Ryan told the court.
“She was terrified and contacted her security guard. She felt violated, terrified and unsafe in her own home.”
The July 2024 visit
In July of the same year, Bannister again called at the house.
The singer was at home with her son when she saw Bannister outside again.
“She called her brother,” Ms Ryan said. “The defendant was standing outside her property and remained there.”
‘I want a glass of wine’
Speaking over the intercom, he said: “I’m really thirsty I just want a glass of wine please,” the court heard.
“The defendant has disregarded the victim and the court,” Ms Ryan said.
“He can’t stay away.”
Speaking about the third visit to her home, Bannister’s lawyer Colin Mackrell said: “He wanted to sort things out to reassure her.”
Bannister, who was described by Mr Mackrell as a “serious musician”, has already served three months in prison, the court heard, and could be released in a matter of weeks.
He killed 48-year-old Rajendra Patel in an attack at a south London YMCA shelter in 2012 and pleaded guilty to manslaughter, the Sun reported.
