Journalist admits stalking former chancellor George Osborne and his wife for more than a year

Lydia Suffield had previously denied two counts of stalking involving serious alarm or distress - (PA Wire)

A freelance journalist has admitted stalking former chancellor George Osborne and his wife, Thea Rogers, for more than a year.

Lydia Suffield, 29, sent emails and Instagram messages to the couple, and filed false referrals to children’s charity the NSPCC, between 8 June 2022 and 5 July 2023, prosecutors have said.

She had previously denied two counts of stalking involving serious alarm or distress, in breach of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

At Isleworth Crown Court in west London on Thursday, she re-entered her not guilty pleas to the charges, but admitted two lesser offences of stalking.

Prosecutor Paul Jarvis KC said a trial would not proceed on the more serious charges, which would remain on file.

Rhianne Neil, prosecuting, during a hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in December 2024, said Suffield had also contacted close friends and family of the couple, as well as work colleagues.

Lydia Suffield (right) re-entered her not guilty pleas to the charges, but admitted two lesser offences of stalking. (PA Wire)

She said the allegations made against the couple by Suffield included drug abuse, and that the accused had sent them a present said to be for their young children.

Suffield, a freelance journalist from Liverpool, was granted bail with conditions not to contact the couple and will be sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on 3 July.

Mr Osborne married Ms Rogers, a former adviser, on 8 July 2023.