A British woman accused of stalking former British finance minister George Osborne and his wife for over a year has pleaded not guilty to the charges in a London court.
Lydia Suffield is charged with stalking Osborne – who served as finance minister from 2010 until 2016 – and Thea Rogers between June 8, 2022, and July 5, 2023. Prosecutors claim that the 27-year-old allegedly sent emails and messages on Instagram, as well as "false, anonymous tip-offs" to the children's charity NSPCC, leading to investigations for drug abuse and child neglect.
Suffield, from Liverpool, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court, where she denied two charges of stalking involving serious alarm or distress. Prosecutor Rhianne Neil stated that the complainants felt compelled to increase their security around the time of their wedding, and that Suffield allegedly sent a gift "meant for the young children". Neil also mentioned that Suffield was accused of sending messages to Osborne and Rogers' close friends and family, referencing their private life.
Suffield was granted bail with the condition that she does not contact Osborne or Rogers until her next appearance at Isleworth Crown Court on January 6. Since leaving government, Osborne has held various roles, including editor of the Evening Standard and a position at boutique investment bank Robey Warshaw, as well as chairing the British Museum. He married Rogers on July 8, 2023.
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