A convicted killer who repeatedly harassed Cheryl Tweedy by showing up at her home has been sentenced to 16 weeks in jail. Daniel Bannister, 50, violated a restraining order multiple times by appearing at the former Girls Aloud singer’s Buckinghamshire residence, leaving her in fear for her safety and that of her seven-year-old son.
Bannister first attempted to approach Cheryl’s home in January 2024, using the intercom at her gate and stating that he had “come to get Cheryl.” He returned in July, this time asking for a glass of wine, which led to the issuance of a restraining order against him in September 2024. However, despite the legal action, Bannister violated the order just a few months later, appearing at Cheryl’s home again in December 2024.
Cheryl, who was still mourning the loss of her former partner Liam Payne, was deeply alarmed when Bannister arrived outside her home just weeks after Payne’s passing. She immediately feared for her safety and that of her son, who was on his way home from the cinema at the time.
Bannister is not a first-time offender. In 2012, he was convicted of manslaughter, raising further concerns about his unpredictable behavior. At the sentencing hearing, District Judge Arvind Sharma acknowledged the distress Bannister had caused Cheryl and issued a new indefinite restraining order, ensuring he would not be able to contact or approach her again.
Impact on Cheryl Tweedy
Cheryl has described the experience as violating and terrifying, leaving her unable to feel safe in her own home. Given her public profile, she has dealt with obsessive fans before, but Bannister’s actions, particularly his persistence despite a restraining order, left her shaken and fearful.
During the trial, Kathleen O'Callaghan of the Crown Prosecution Service emphasized the severity of Bannister’s repeated breaches and the lasting impact his actions had on Cheryl. She noted that stalking and harassment can leave victims in a constant state of fear, making it critical for the courts to act decisively in such cases.
As a result, Bannister has now been sentenced to 16 weeks in prison, though legal experts predict that further action may be taken if he continues to violate restraining orders upon release.
With the new indefinite restraining order in place, Cheryl and her legal team hope that she can regain her sense of security. While Bannister's sentence may seem short, authorities have warned that any further violations could lead to harsher penalties.
For now, Cheryl’s focus remains on her family, career, and personal well-being, as she moves forward from this distressing chapter.