United Kingdom: Presenter Ellie Costello Traumatized By Being Stalked For 16 Months

Location:  United Kingdom, London    
Date: November 24, 2022

Ellie Costello, a London based journalist and broadcaster for GB news was left fearing for her safety and suffering from 'panic attacks' after being the target of unsolicited advances and creepy messages from ITV reality show Airline star Leo Jones. The Coalition For Women In Journalism extends support to Ellie Costello and denounces all forms of abuse against women. 

In August 2021, Ellie Costello interviewed Leo Jones, who regarded himself as a ‘travel expert’, and commented on the impact of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions on the travel industry.

After the online Zoom interview Costello and Jones exchanged polite "thank you" messages. 

In October 2021, Costello interviewed Jones again over Zoom. Following the interview, Jones proposed they should present a travel show together, and remarked: ‘I love seeing you in the morning X’. Jones's remarks and suggestions were not solicited or entertained by Costello. 

What ensued was a 16 month period of consistent stalking and unwanted advances by Jones. When Costello didn't respond Jones persisted with 'you take my breath away' and over the following three consecutive days 'You motivate me beyond words', 'I love seeing you', and 'You are my sunshine I love you'.

Ellie Costello began her journalism career reporting live for BBC World Service and the Victoria Derbyshire show. In 2019, Costello's investigations into the British beauty industry and influencer exploitation were some of the most viewed clips on The BBC website. Later, Costello joined GB News as a South East England reporter, covering breaking news live on location, aiming to cover stories not reported by mainstream media.

'I would not wish this upon anyone," said Costello.

Aside from the unsought messages, Jones started showing up at Costello's filming locations. 

On one particular occasion, he went into her studio at 5am but fortunately she was not at work that day. When Jones asked: 'How long do I have to wait to see you, it is driving me insane,' Ellie Costello finally replied: "'Please stop messaging me, it is beyond inappropriate.'

Jones, then using a separate Instagram account, wrote : 'I know I'm not supposed to message you but thank you for everything you do for the travel industry,' followed by 'No one will ever come close to you'. Costello then blocked all his social media accounts.

In June, 2022, Jones showed up at the GB News studio in Paddington asking whether she was available. Later he sent Costello flowers with a written note: 'Something to say a good morning from Leo X". Costello also received an email from Jones reading: 'Ellie I don't want to be like a stalker I have feelings for you you have been pivotal on my journey'.

On the day of Queen's Elizabeth's funeral ceremony, as Costello was reporting on the Long Walk at Windsor, she saw Jones 'with his hands in pockets, laughing and walking towards her."  Distressed, the journalist called the police but was incapable of getting her words out, incoherently saying only "'stalker' as she was having a panic attack. By the time the police calmed her down and she was able to compose herself, Jones had left the scene. 

'I had a panic attack, I couldn't breathe or speak, when I realized he had got so close to me I really freaked out. He must have followed me after watching my broadcast that morning," said  Costello while addressing St Albans magistrates' court on Thursday. 

Costello then continued describing the harrowing impact that Jones's stalking has had on her everyday life: " It has made me nervous about getting out of cars and going to places by myself. In my job it is impossible not to say where I am, I have a security officer to make me feel safe at work.The security officer has taught me ways to help keep myself safe, to wear less bright colors, to tie my hair up, how to position myself in relation to a road, to face outwards to see threats coming. I have had to change how I behave at work and everyday life. The last 16 months have been ones of constant worry, constant stress and constant strain on my life."

Jones pleaded guilty to causing Costello serious consternation, distress and mental agony and was given a 26-week custodial sentence, suspended for two years, and a five-year restraining order.

The conclusion of Ellie Costello's case comes as figures exposed that in the year ending in March 2022, only five percent of stalking reports ended up being charged by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The Telegraph reported that 30,000 cases were dropped due to 'evidential difficulties' despite victims supporting prosecution. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands with journalist Ellie Costello and all stalking victims who are put through hell from their perpetrators and whose voices are not heard by the justice system. We demand immediate change as stalking victims deserve to be protected.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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