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Stalking

Stalker with Sexual Interest in Billie Piper Sentenced to One Year in Prison

Philip Jerome, 49, has been sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment after admitting to multiple breaches of a stalking prevention order concerning former Doctor Who actress Billie Piper.

The sentencing took place at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court on Jerome’s birthday. Prosecutor Anisa Alrubaie detailed that Jerome, from Winchester, Hampshire, had been subject to the stalking prevention order since 21 July 2022.

During a search of Jerome’s electronic devices on 27 December 2025, police discovered four photographs of Ms Piper stored on his mobile phone and evidence that he had tagged 11 posts and images related to her on social media platform X. These included AI-generated pictures posted on four separate occasions earlier that month.

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One particular post from 7 December 2025 read: “I think I know which image probably made me fall for [Ms Piper], the GQ awards, and made me want to meet her. She is great without a bra too.”

Ms Alrubaie clarified that Ms Piper’s X account is managed by her personal assistant and that the actress is not directly involved in reviewing posts. She explained that many posts are negative and not brought to Ms Piper’s attention.

Jerome had previously been subject to a restraining order in 2018 after incidents including visiting Ms Piper’s residence, posting cards through her letterbox, and sending correspondence. That year, he breached the order by contacting Ms Piper’s mother and sister via Facebook and making comments about her personal relationships during visits to her home.

Authorities also found ring binders at Jerome’s home containing newspaper clippings, event information, and other material related to Ms Piper.

In 2022, Jerome was sentenced to 12 months in prison for further breaches of the restraining order, which involved attending a Comicon event and managing to be photographed with Ms Piper twice in one day by changing his outfit. On the second occasion, Ms Piper recognised him, leading to his removal by security.

The court also heard Jerome had a prior harassment conviction from 2012 for stalking a female acquaintance by camping outside her residence.

District Judge Kirsty Allman remarked during sentencing that Jerome exhibited a sexual interest in Ms Piper, referencing posts about her appearance, and emphasised his repeated pattern of stalking, harassment, and failure to comply with court orders.

Defence counsel Caroline Bonavia acknowledged that Jerome’s posts bore similarity to those of an enthusiastic fan but stressed that his breaches were serious since he was under a court order prohibiting such conduct. She noted Jerome’s recent autism diagnosis and engagement with psychological support aimed at preventing obsessive behaviours.

Ms Bonavia mentioned that while Jerome lacked full remorse and empathy, his breaches had become less intrusive and he must learn that such postings are not permitted, regardless of fan status.