After Cheryl’s terrifying stalking ordeal, which saw a man put behind bars last week, a source tells us the former Girls Aloud star is keen to draw a line under the ordeal, and focus on being a doting mum again. Daniel Bannister, 50, was jailed last week after relentlessly stalking 41-year-old Cheryl in a terrifying ordeal which left her fearing for her and her son Bear’s safety – just months after the tragic loss of her ex, Liam Payne, in October.
Following the sentencing, a source exclusively told new: “It’s been an awful lot for Cheryl to deal with, it’s been really tough and very frightening. She wouldn’t want anyone else to go through that, it’s been a living nightmare for her. When you’re a mum, and having been through what Cheryl’s been through, you’re super protective of yourself and your loved ones, so as she said in court, her biggest concern was about protecting Bear.”
The stalker repeatedly turned up at her home, leaving her terrified for both herself and her son, Bear, who turns eight on March 22, a High Wycombe court heard.
Speaking to police, Cheryl, 41, said she “immediately panicked” when she saw him outside her house for a third time, as she court heard she was immediately concerned for her son. The singer was alarmed when she realised Bannister was at her gate while Bear was out at the cinema, fearing what could happen if her son arrived home while the stalker was still there. She said: “I was concerned he was looking for a way into the property. I want to protect my child from any harm.”
According to Chris Meaden, a leading trauma and anxiety expert who runs The Meaden Clinic, stalking can have devastating and long-term impacts on the victim. “Being stalked is one of the most psychologically distressing experiences a person can go through. It strips away the feeling of safety, leaving someone trapped in a state of fear and uncertainty,” he said. “For Cheryl, knowing that someone was obsessively watching her, pushing boundaries, and even coming near her home would have been deeply unsettling – especially as a mother. The fear isn’t just for yourself but for those you love, and that amplifies the distress tenfold.”
“During the stalking, she likely experienced intense anxiety, hypervigilance, and a sense of powerlessness. Sleep can become impossible, and normal routines feel unsafe. Even with security measures in place, the emotional toll can be overwhelming.”
Bannister was sentenced to 16 weeks behind bars, with another restraining order put in place banning him from contacting the star.
Expert Chris says while many victims feel a wave of relief, it takes time for the mind and body to recover because their fight-or-flight response has likely been triggered over a prolonged period of time. Moving on, he added, usually involves a combination of practical security measures and psychological healing.
“Cheryl may still experience moments of panic, difficulty sleeping, or even flashbacks to the fear she felt at the height of the stalking. Everyday activities – going for a walk, taking her son to school, or even engaging with fans – may feel different now, carrying a lingering sense of caution.”
He continued, “Moving forward will likely involve a combination of practical security measures and psychological healing. Even though her stalker has been jailed, she may still need to retrain her mind to feel safe again. The good news is that recovery is possible, and with the right approach, she – and anyone else who has been stalked – can take back their sense of freedom.”
Bannister’s obsession with the Fight for This Love singer came to light in January 2024, when he was first caught on her property and using the intercom, and saying: “It’s Daniel, I’ve come to get Cheryl.” The court heard, “She was terrified and contacted her security guard. She felt violated, terrified and unsafe in her own home.”
The judge in the case made it clear how serious the situation was, telling Bannister: “You have given no thought to how your behaviour would impact on Cheryl, and saying that Cheryl was “very distressed and upset” by the harassment.
Now, it’s time for the star to try her best to move on – for herself and her family, and draw a line under this terrible ordeal.