Obsessive fan tried to torch house

A woman has admitted stalking Ken Dodd, sending indecent photographs and a dead rat to his home, which she tried to burn down.

Ruth Tagg, 34, also pleaded guilty to harassing Dodd\'s partner, Anne Jones, who she saw as a love rival.

She sent six indecent photographs and 12 letters and cards to Dodd\'s home in Knotty Ash, Merseyside, Preston Crown Court heard.

Tagg, from Bristol, also admitted stalking 75-year-old Dodd by attending his shows and sitting in prominent seats.

She tried to torch his house by pushing burning rags through the letterbox on October 11, 2001, starting a fire that caused £11,000 damage.

However, she knew Dodd and Miss Jones were not in the house at the time, so was charged with arson being reckless as to whether life is endangered rather than the more serious charge of arson with intent to endanger life.

Remanding Tagg in custody for psychiatric reports, Mr Justice Morland said: "Clearly, Miss Tagg needs detailed psychiatric assessment.

"I am satisfied that all the evidence indicates she remains a potential risk, certainly to Miss Jones, possibly to Mr Dodd and others."

Dodd attended court to give evidence, but Tagg\'s guilty plea made that unnecessary.

Published: 11 Oct 2001