EastEnders Star Left Scared In Home Over Stalker

Samantha Womack fears for her children's safety after a stalker was found outside

Published 22nd Dec 2015

An EastEnders actress says she feels nervous when she's alone in her house and fears for her children's safety after a stalker was found outside, a court has heard.

Samantha Womack, who plays Ronnie Mitchell, noticed a light on in the early hours of 10 September last year and when her husband went to investigate he discovered Peter Rombough sitting on a wall.

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He asked the 22-year-old man to leave but CCTV cameras showed he remained in the vicinity of the Bedfordshire property.

A week earlier, Rombough had gone to the same house and delivered a letter in which he said he feared he "couldn't deal with the consequences" of her rejection.

He added: "I do harbour some sort of love for you - I can't live with that regret and the fact any other woman is second best to you.

"I could go to a really dark place where you are concerned."

He went on to say he did not mean any harm, adding Womack was "one of the last people on the planet I want to hurt".

She contacted police - but was reluctant to as she feared Rombough may harm himself.

However, she felt it was necessary to inform officers to protect her family and prevent anybody else being stalked.

Police and the BBC then organised extra security.

In a statement read to the court, the mother-of-two said "These events have had a massive impact.

"I can't stop thinking about it. He's a total stranger but I'm concerned about his well-being and do hope he is okay and needs to seek some help."

He admitted his fantasies about Womack had started when he was 16, the court heard, and he told police he had an unhealthy crush on her.

Prosecutor Josephine Jones said Rombough had originally looked for the property in May but could not find it.

He went to the house again on 3 September 2014.

"The defendant's fixation would appear to have got the better of him when he delivered a letter," she added.

Rombough later posted an apology on Twitter, saying: "I never meant to cause upset. I am very sorry."

He added: "I never wanted it to go this far. I am so sorry, have a nice life, you won't see me again."

He has pleaded guilty to travelling 93 miles to stalk the actress at her home.

Appearing before Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court, he was given an eight-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months.

Presiding magistrate Robin Hornby also made Rombough subject to a two-year restraining order and a mental health programme.