Solicitor Andrew Milne Convicted of Stalking Court Blogger Daniel Cloake
In a shocking case that has rocked the legal community, solicitor Andrew Milne has been convicted of stalking court blogger Daniel Cloake, during which he made deeply disturbing comments, including calling Cloake his 'sex slave'. The stalking campaign occurred between March and August 2024, with Milne sending over 120 emails, an unwanted gift, and letters to Cloake, who runs the court reporting website Mouse in Court.
Intense and Obsessive Behavior Detailed in Court
Thames Magistrates' Court heard that Milne displayed 'fixated and obsessive behavior' towards Cloake. This culminated in Milne turning up at Cloake's London home, where he left a handwritten letter. The pair originally met after Cloake approached Milne at a hearing, but the relationship quickly turned sinister as Milne's actions escalated.
District Judge Lisa Towell emphasized Milne's professional duties as a solicitor, stating he had a responsibility to be 'professional' in his dealings with Cloake. She highlighted specific comments made by Milne, such as hoping not to find a dead rodent, which added to the fear and distress experienced by Cloake.
Victim Impact Statement Reveals Homophobic and Threatening Content
In a victim impact statement read by prosecutor Reem Khatib, Cloake described how Milne's messages included 'homophobic and transphobic' content. One particularly alarming email was described by the prosecution as a 'veiled death threat'. Cloake expressed ongoing fear, worrying that Milne might contact his family, send aggressive notes, or return to his home.
Cloake noted it was 'disconcerting' to know Milne was monitoring his tweets and writing long emails from home, indicating a pervasive sense of invasion and threat.
Sentencing and Professional Consequences
Judge Towell sentenced Milne to a 24-month community order, requiring him to complete 300 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity days. Additionally, Milne must pay Cloake £850 in compensation, £650 in costs, and a £114 victim surcharge. A seven-year restraining order was imposed, prohibiting Milne from contacting Cloake directly or indirectly or attending his address.
Despite mitigation from Nathan Goldstein, who argued Milne would be 'seriously affected' and had a 'low risk of reoffending' according to probation, the judge noted Milne showed 'no remorse whatsoever' and lacked empathy for Cloake's feelings.
Appeal and Regulatory Actions
Milne intends to appeal the conviction, as stated by his lawyer. Following the conviction, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) sanctioned Milne, restricting him from acting as a solicitor without supervision. Louise Haigh, MP for Sheffield Heeley, had previously called for the SRA to suspend Milne's license, highlighting the severity of the case and its implications for professional conduct in the legal field.
This case underscores critical issues around stalking, professional ethics, and the safety of individuals in the public eye, particularly those involved in legal reporting and advocacy.
