Woman ordered by court not to go near Earl Spencer

A woman has been told she must not go near or make contact with Earl Spencer after "expressing her love" to him.

Marinela Atomei, 44, of Penny Hapenny Court in Atherstone, Warwickshire, appeared at Warwick Crown Court after being charged with stalking involving serious harm or distress.

Judge Anthony Potter released Atomei on bail and said she must not enter Northamptonshire - where Earl Spencer's family home Althorp House is located - or go within 100m (328ft) of the 61-year-old or his partner Cat Jarman.

Atomei, who will next appear in court on 13 March, told the hearing earlier: "I do apologise."

Prosecutor Sabhia Pathan said Atomei, who is from Romania and has lived in the UK for more than 10 years, visited the Althorp Estate several times since July 2025.

She sent Earl Spencer, who is the brother of Princess Diana, letters "expressing her love" via recorded delivery and made dozens of posts about him on social media.

Judge Potter said the letters showed an "infatuation" with Earl Spencer, adding: "I daresay they were profoundly unnerving."

Sophie Murray, defending, said Atomei had a "completely clear" criminal record and had shown insight into her behaviour.

The judge told Atomei if she broke her bail conditions "you will be brought back into custody until this case is dealt with".

"You now understand how Earl Spencer feels about the contact from you and how unnerving it is for him.

"I am quite satisfied that you now have an understanding about how you should behave," he added.

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