A stalker who started a fire on the driveway of Denise Welch's Wilmslow home has been jailed for seven years and seven months.
Toraq Wyngard, 64, from Salford was sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Thursday, 7th April after pleading guilty last year to stalking the TV star. He admitted possession of a knife, criminal damage, arson and stalking causing serious alarm or distress,
Wyngard targeted the Loose Women star and former Coronation Street actress between 18 September 2020 and 11 February 2021.
During his disturbing stalking campaign, on 19 September 2020 Wyngard went onto Mrs Townley's Wilmslow property and set fire to the skip on her driveway which spread to the garage attached to her property. On arrival, police officers found Wyngard nearby and on searching his backpack discovered a knife.
DS Dave Thomason from Cheshire Constabulary's Harm Reduction Unit said: "Wyngard's actions were causing Denise great distress and a trial would have further impacted on her.
He added "I'd like to thank Denise for her bravery in coming forward and I hope this reassures other victims that we do listen and take action against those who carry out such distressing crimes in our communities."
Speaking following the guilty pleas in September 2021, Denise said "Lincoln and I are very relieved that Toraq Wyngard otherwise known as Todd has pleaded guilty.
"This has been an incredibly terrifying and stressful time for me and our family.
"We are grateful to the fire service for their prompt action saving our house and to the police for their amazing vigilance and support.
"Special thanks go to the Harm Reduction Unit assigned to us who have guided us through this horrible time every step of the way."
