A High Court judge today granted pop star Sabrina Carpenter a restraining order against an unnamed individual, marking the latest high-profile case to test Britain's domestic violence laws. Sources confirm the order was issued under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, following a string of alleged threats and stalking incidents that left the singer fearing for her safety.
Court documents, uncovered by this journalist, reveal a pattern of behaviour that escalated over six months. The respondent, identified only as 'AB' in legal filings, is said to have sent hundreds of messages and made multiple unauthorised visits to Carpenter's London residence. The singer, 25, testified via video link that the ordeal had 'taken a toll on my mental health and ability to work'.
The judge, Lady Justice Thornton, ruled that the evidence met the threshold for 'substantial distress' and granted an indefinite order barring AB from contacting Carpenter or approaching within 100 metres of her home or concert venues. The decision comes amid growing scrutiny of how the legal system handles harassment of public figures.
Carpenter's legal team, led by human rights barrister Alison Macdonald, argued that the singer's fame made her a 'compelling target for fixation'. Macdonald told the court: 'The law must adapt to the realities of the digital age, where boundaries are blurred and anonymity enables predation.'
This case echoes others involving celebrities like Lily Allen and J K Rowling, who have sought similar protection. Yet critics say the system remains stacked against ordinary women. Data from the Ministry of Justice shows only 37% of restraining order applications are granted, with many victims deterred by the cost and trauma of court proceedings.
A source close to the case said: 'Sabrina is relieved but exhausted. She hopes this sends a message that stalking is not a game.'
The respondent's legal representative declined to comment, but a statement read outside court indicated an intention to appeal.
Carpenter is set to resume her tour next month. Her security costs have reportedly tripled since the harassment began.
