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TV host pest ban

Russia Today TV presenter Polly Boiko wins a restraining order against ‘obsessed’ fan

Polly Boiko says she was stalked for two years by Jody Lakin and he was given a five year ban from contacting her or visiting her central London office

A TV journalist has won a restraining order against an obsessed fan who bombarded her with messages and gifts.

Russia Today presenter Polly Boiko said she was stalked for two years by Jody Lakin, 37.

 Russia Today presenter Polly Boiko says she was stalked for two years
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Russia Today presenter Polly Boiko says she was stalked for two years

He was given a five-year restraining order, banning him from contacting her or visiting her central London offices.

Lakin was acquitted of stalking and a further charge of harassment was dropped.

The harassment charge alleged that Lakin sent gifts to Miss Boiko's work and home address.

Jonathan Brian, prosecuting, said: "The defendant has never met her and simply became aware of her through seeing her on Russia Today.

 Miss Boiko has been with Russia Today since 2011
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Miss Boiko has been with Russia Today since 2011
 Boiko's stalker has been banned from coming to her office and contacting her for five years
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Boiko's stalker has been banned from coming to her office and contacting her for five years

"There has been contact between them and it is quite clear that she does not wish to have any contact whatsoever.

"This is a relationship between two strangers and one of them has made clear that she does not want any contact in the future.

 The presenter was not at the hearing
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The presenter was not at the hearing

"He has no reason to contact her."

Boiko has been at Russia Today since 2011.

Lakin  was issued with a harassment warning letter by police last April, which stated he needed to stop contacting the star.
Boiko began receiving unsolicited messages again a few weeks later, and took the matter to court after making it clear to Lakin his advances were unwanted on two further occasions.

She did not attend the hearing at City of London magistrates’ court.

Lorraine Mitchell endured a ten year ordeal from her stalker