Natalie Pike reveals terrifying ordeal after being targeted by stalker

Natalie, a former model who works for Manchester City's in-house media team as well as other broadcasters, took to social media to tell how a man has been prosecuted and received a suspended prison sentence for stalking her. She paid tribute to City after describing how one incident unfolded at the Etihad Stadium, when the club's security team swooped in to protect her.

Natalie told how she then faced her stalker in court, and laid bare how his actions had led to 'one of the hardest periods' of her life. She said she was speaking out to offer support to anyone going through a similar experience.

On Facebook, Natalie said: "At the end of September, an individual was sentenced after pleading guilty to stalking me, involving serious alarm or distress. The court imposed a custodial sentence, suspended, alongside other requirements and a restraining order preventing him from contacting me directly or indirectly.

"For eight months, this has been something I have had to deal with alongside every other part of my life, and at times it has been incredibly difficult. I hope this marks the end of one of the hardest periods of my life and allows me to finally close this chapter and move forward.

"I've travelled, laughed, spent precious time with my mum who is living with stage four cancer, and had so many genuinely happy and joyful moments. But alongside all of that, there have been times behind the scenes when I've been really frightened, overwhelmed and found it really difficult to keep going.

"Only a handful of people knew what I was dealing with. I suppose I want to share that because it's a reminder that someone's happiness can be completely genuine, while at the same time they can be going through something incredibly difficult that you know nothing about.

"I want to say a huge thank you to the police, who took what was happening to me seriously from the moment I reported it. I felt listened to, believed and supported throughout.

"I'm incredibly grateful to everyone involved in bringing the case through the courts and for the care and support I received throughout that process. And I cannot thank Manchester City enough. One of the incidents happened at the stadium and from that day they have been incredible.

"During the game, they quite literally swept me up and immediately put measures in place to protect me. Since then, so many different people and departments across the club have supported me.

"From the security team who looked after me that day, to the people who continue to check in on me, and the changes they've made to security and travel arrangements to help keep me safe. Their support has been unwavering and continues to this day. It has meant more to me than I can say."

Natalie then paid tribute to family and friends who have supported her throughout her ordeal. She added: "One of the main reasons I have decided to speak publicly about this is because I want anyone who is experiencing stalking to know that there is help and support available.

"I also cannot thank the Suzy Lamplugh Trust enough for the counselling and specialist support they have given me over the last eight months, and for the incredible work they do every day. If you're going through something similar, please reach out to them. You don't have to deal with it on your own.

"I didn't have to attend court. I chose to. I was offered a screen so that I wouldn't have to see him. I chose not to use it. Instead, I stood in that courtroom, in front of him, and read my Victim Personal Statement.

"I needed him to hear from me the impact his actions had had on my life. But I also needed to do it for myself. I wanted to take some of my power back. What happened to me has affected me, but it will not define me.