Denise Welch has said she was "emotionally terrorised" as she opened up on her stalking ordeal.
The 63-year-old appeared on today's edition of Loose Women alongside Nadia Sawalha, Jane Moore and Charlene White. The panelist was the victim of a "disturbing" campaign after she was targeted by Toraq Wyngard for five months between September 18, 2020 and February 11, 2021.
Wyngard was jailed earlier this month and Denise shared details of her "horrendous time" on Thursday's edition of the popular ITV programme. On September 19, 2020, Wyngard of Cannon Street, Salford, went onto Denise's property and set fire to the skip on her driveway which spread to the garage attached to her property.
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On arrival, police officers found Wyngard nearby and on searching his backpack discovered a knife. The 53-year-old pleaded guilty to a number of offences at Chester Crown Court on Monday, September 27, 2021.
These included possession of a knife, criminal damage, arson and stalking causing serious alarm or distress. Following the guilty pleas last year, Denise said it had been an "incredibly terrifying and stressful time".
She said: "Lincoln [her husband Lincoln Townley] and I are very relieved that Toraq Wyngard otherwise known as Todd has pleaded guilty. This has been an incredibly terrifying and stressful time for me and our family.
"We are grateful to the fire service for their prompt action saving our house and to the police for their amazing vigilance and support. Special thanks go to the Harm Reduction Unit assigned to us who have guided us through this horrible time every step of the way.”
Denise reiterated her praise for the work of the Harm Reduction Unit on Loose Women and said she is still impacted by the ordeal. She said: "It emotionally terrorises you. Lincoln and I had to be apart for work reasons. I never used to be scared but it's completely changed that."
Police warned there was "a significant increase" in stalking offences in England and Wales during the pandemic. The Loose Women panelists urged anyone who is currently or has previously been affected by harassment or stalking to contact the National Stalking Helpline. People can contact the helpline on 0808 802 0300 or visit www.stalkinghelpline.org for more information
Loose Women airs weekdays at 12.30pm on ITV and ITV Hub
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