Film producer couldn’t handle Emmerdale actress moving on, so did something ‘crazy’
A film producer has been slapped with a £300 fine for stalking after he ordered a private investigation firm to plant a tracking device on his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend’s motor.
Kevin Proctor, 47, boasts several prestigious producing credits including ‘Midas Man’ in 2024, a biopic of the Beatles’ long-time manager Brian Epstein. He also produced ‘Funny Cow’, a 2017 comedy starring Maxine Peake and Stephen Graham.
However, he was nicked in July 2024 and charged with stalking after his former flame Nicola Holt discovered a tracker on her new partner’s vehicle. Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard today (November 27) that it had been fitted there by private detectives – on Proctor’s orders.
The producer admitted stalking charges made against him(Image: MEN MEDIA)
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Proctor originally denied the charge of stalking involving serious alarm and distress, but admitted guilt at Manchester Magistrates’ Court today to the lesser charge of stalking,” reports the Manchester Evening News
Prosecuting, Ms Olivia Davin told the court that Proctor had been in a relationship with Holt, herself an actress who has appeared in Hollyoaks and Emmerdale, from July 2022 to August 2023. “At some point, the relationship between the two parties turned toxic,” Ms Davin said.
“On June 28 2024, the complainant checked her vehicle for a tracker. She could not find one on her car, but then checked the vehicle of another person whose car she had access to, her now-partner, and found a small black tracking device behind the number plate.
“It was discovered to be a gadget containing a SIM card that gave off a blue flashing light. She alerted the police, and it was confiscated and examined.”
Ms Holt wasn’t in attendance at court, but had provided a victim impact statement. “This situation has made me completely paranoid and scared,” she said in the statement.
“I have put a Ring doorbell camera on my house and every time I get a notification I assume it will be him. It panics me.”
“I thought a man was following me in ASDA,” she continued. “I thought he had paid someone to follow me. I check my vehicle every day for a tracker. I am scared now that going to the police is going to make it worse and that Kevin is going to turn up at my address and assault me.”
Defence barrister Aishling Byrnes told the court that there ‘had never been any violence’ or the threat thereof from Mr Proctor towards the complainant.
“He is now 47 and a man of exemplary good character,” she said. “In the spring of 2024 he embarked on this course of action which was entirely out of character and a matter of extreme regret.”
Providing background, Ms Byrnes said that Mr Proctor had continued to support Ms Holt financially even after their relationship ended.
“The complainant has categorised the relationship as somewhat toxic, but she does not mention that, as Mr Proctor was concerned about her financial wellbeing, he continued to assist her with considerable regular payments,” Ms Byrne said.
“She accepted these. He then discovered that she had started a new relationship. He questioned whether this relationship involved a financial element, and if she truly still required his support.
“The reason we are here is due to the way he handled it. He decided to hire a private investigation firm who suggested that he could best satisfy his curiosity by using a tracker.
“He didn’t install it himself – he’s a film producer by profession and not familiar with such matters. But the tracker was installed on his orders.”
Ms Byrnes then referred to Mr Proctor’s official autism diagnosis. “The situation he found himself in – at the end of a relationship and worried about a new one – likely affected his ability to make sound decisions,” she stated.
“His neurodiversity made it difficult for him to make rational decisions. It’s not a defence, but it might explain why a previously law-abiding and successful man would do something…bizarre like this.”
The court heard that Mr Proctor’s life had been ‘flipped upside down’ following his arrest. “He has suffered significant reputational damage within his industry, which he no longer works in,” Ms Byrnes added.
“He is a man who earned respect in his profession, and also the loyalty of friends who have provided letters to the court.
“His offence was short-lived and not particularly sophisticated. Apart from causing distress to the complainant, no-one else was harmed.
“He has begun doing menial work in a freezer factory and resides with his parents. His expenses significantly outweigh his earnings, he’s in debt and his financial situation is unstable.
“He has commenced therapy to comprehend what drove him to do this and to ensure it doesn’t recur.
“He pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and is filled with remorse. His punishment began when he was arrested and continues without respite.”
Proctor, from King’s Gardens, Bedworth, admitted to a charge of stalking. He was slapped with a £300 fine and ordered to pay £205 in costs and surcharges.