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Earl Spencer's accused stalker due to stand trial

Alex PopeNorthamptonshire
Jeff Overs/BBC Earl Spencer, looking straight at the camera, with short grey hair. She is wearing a blue shirt and a black jumper. Jeff Overs/BBC
Earl Spencer, the brother of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, is due to attend the trial next year

A woman who has denied stalking Earl Spencer by sending handwritten letters and repeatedly visiting his home is due to stand trial in April.

Marinela Atomei, 44, appeared at Warwick Crown Court on Monday in relation to the charge, which prosecutors allege caused Earl Spencer, 62, the brother of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, serious alarm or distress.

The hearing was told Atomei visited the Althorp estate on numerous occasions when it was open to members of the public in July and August 2025.

Atomei, of Penny Hapenny Court in Atherstone, Warwickshire, was released on bail and was told not to enter Northamptonshire and she would continue to be monitored by an electronic tag.

The trial date has been set for 19 April, 2027.

PA Media Marinela Atomei arriving at a pre-trial review hearing at Warwick Crown Court. She is looking at the camera. She has long hair tied up, has earrings on both ears, and is wearing a white shirt with a grey pin-striped jacket. PA Media
Marinela Atomei appeared at Warwick Crown Court on Monday

Prosecutors allege Atomei stalked Earl Spencer between July last year and February, causing him serious alarm or distress which "had a substantial adverse effect on his usual day-to-day activities".

At a hearing in May, it was alleged Atomei made numerous posts on social media in respect of Earl Spencer and Althorp House, and contacted the stately home by email in January 2026 "seeking to arrange to collaborate on a project with Charles Edward Maurice Spencer".

On 17 January, the court heard, she is alleged to have attended Althorp uninvited, "gaining access to the grounds, and attempting to gain access to the house".

She is also alleged to have returned to Althorp two weeks later "to attempt to personally deliver a letter and a package" to Earl Spencer.

At Monday's hearing, Recorder Charles Foster said: "Stand up Ms Atomei. You have heard what has been said. This case remains listed for trial.

"You must attend your trial. I enlarge your bail conditions as before."

Atomei said "thank you" and nodded her head at the judge as she was let out of the dock and left the courtroom following the hearing.

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