Kyle Shaw, a 37-year-old man, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison, suspended for 20 months, for stalking Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas. Shaw's actions caused Ballas serious harm or distress over a period of six years, from 2017 to 2023.

According to prosecutors, Shaw believed that Ballas's late brother, David Rich, was his father, and he sent her abusive messages and threats. Shaw also set up social media accounts in David Rich's name and approached Ballas's mother, Audrey Rich, while she was shopping in Wirral in 2019.

Shaw's Actions

Shaw's actions became increasingly erratic, and he posted messages on Twitter, including an image of Ballas's home address, along with a threatening message. He also contacted Ballas's colleagues and friends, including her niece, Mary Assall, and her former partner, Daniel Taylor.

As a result of Shaw's actions, Ballas became reluctant to socialize with colleagues and stopped using public transport. She also described having sleepless nights, worrying about her safety and the safety of her family.

Sentence and Restraining Order

Shaw was sentenced to 20 months in prison, suspended for 20 months, and was also made the subject of a restraining order for life. This means that he will never be allowed to contact Ballas or her family again.

The judge, Gary Woodhall, said that Shaw's actions were a 'menacing threat' against Ballas and her family, and that he was satisfied that Shaw's motive for the offense was a desire to seek contact with people he genuinely believed were his family.