Strictly's Shirley Ballas stalker Kyle Shaw blamed BBC judge for father’s death

Stalker Handed Restraining Order for Harassing Strictly Judge Shirley Ballas

A man who relentlessly stalked Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas for six years and threatened to “ruin” her life has been issued a restraining order in court. Kyle Shaw admitted to harassing the 64-year-old TV personality from August 2017 to November 2023, fueled by a delusion that she was his aunt and involved in his brother’s death.

Details of the Harassment Unveiled in Court

The court heard that Shaw’s actions included repeated attempts to contact Ballas, pursuing her elderly mother in a store, contacting her associates, and posting an image of her home online. Prosecutor Nicola Daley, during the sentencing hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, explained that Shaw mistakenly believed Ballas’ deceased brother was his father. “He was under the delusion that her late brother was his father,” Daley stated. “She recalls the constant contact, often accusing her of being responsible for her brother’s death because her brother took his own life,” according to reports.

Threatening Messages and Victim’s Fear

The prosecution detailed Shaw’s communications to Ballas as “menacing,” citing one message: “You ruined my life, I’ll ruin yours and everyone’s around you.” Ms. Daley further stated, “Ms Ballas was understandably terrified and became concerned for her personal safety as a result of the defendant’s actions.”

Security Measures and Relocation

The court was informed that Ballas had to enhance her personal security protocols and move her 86-year-old mother from her Wirral residence due to anxieties about Shaw’s conduct.

Shaw’s mother, in a statement presented to the court, confessed to suggesting to her son that his biological father might be David Rich, Ms Ballas’ late brother, who tragically died by suicide at age 44 in 2003.

Defendant’s Mental State and Defence

Judge Woodhall told the defendant it was “difficult to ascertain” the truth of his belief regarding his relationship to Ms Ballas. John Weate, representing Shaw, described his client as suffering from “complex mental health issues.”

He elaborated, “The information given to him in his mid to late teens and further in his late 20s exacerbated the situation, leading to this very unfortunate offence.”

Weate added, “He essentially contacted individuals he believed were family members without understanding the impact of his behaviour. He now acknowledges that Ms Ballas and her family do not wish to have any interaction with him.”

“He has no intention of contacting them again and wishes to avoid a similar situation. He understands it would be completely inappropriate for him to reach out in any way in the future, whether genuinely or inappropriately.”

Judge’s Remarks and Sentencing

Judge Woodhall, during sentencing, stated: “I am satisfied your motivation was a desire to connect with people you believed to be your family. The veracity of that belief is uncertain.”

“However, you then initiated a sustained campaign of contact, including implied threats, directed not only at Shirley Ballas but also those connected to her,” he continued. “Your comments, contact, and threats have caused significant alarm to Ms Ballas and her partner. She has experienced sleepless nights. Her driver has described witnessing her visible worry and distress.”

Judge Woodhall added: “You also contacted other family members. She felt compelled to relocate her mother to London to ensure her safety. She has suffered numerous sleepless nights and lives in fear of your potential actions.”

Restraining Order and Suspended Sentence

Visibly emotional, Shaw, from Whetstone Lane in Birkenhead, wept and hid his face as he was given a life-long restraining order to protect Ms Ballas and her family members.

Furthermore, he received a 20-month suspended prison sentence, meaning he will avoid imprisonment provided he commits no further offences within the next 20 months.