A 39-year-old man has admitted harassing BBC tennis commentator Naomi Broady and stalking her sister Emma during a court appearance in Manchester.
David Richardson entered guilty pleas to both charges at Manchester Magistrates' Court, acknowledging he had targeted the former professional tennis player with harassment throughout 2023.
The charges against Richardson include stalking Emma Broady over a three-year period and harassing Naomi between January and December 2023.
**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**
Court documents reveal the harassment caused the 35-year-old mother of two significant distress and harm.
Naomi Broady is now a pundit for the BBC
|"I wanted to try to win her over - I wanted to ask her out," Richardson said when approached at his residence.
Richardson now awaits sentencing scheduled for August 18, with restrictions already imposed preventing him from contacting either woman or approaching their residences.
Richardson's campaign of harassment involved sending numerous unwanted communications through Facebook alongside inappropriate gifts, greeting cards and paintings.
The 39-year-old from Stockport, Greater Manchester, had initially focused his attention on Emma Broady, whom he knew from school.
Court documents detail how he sent presents including Selfridges vouchers and flowers on occasions such as birthdays, Valentine's Day and Christmas.
When Emma rejected his advances, Richardson redirected his unwanted attention towards her younger sister Naomi.
Richardson revealed his motivations when speaking to The Mirror, explaining he had attended school with Emma and hoped to create a "positive impact" before pursuing a romantic relationship.
Naomi Broady played professional tennis until 2021
|Getty
He acknowledged his lack of experience with relationships, stating he was "a bit out of practice with the girls" and confirming "I've not been in a relationship".
The 39-year-old's harassment campaign against Naomi involved persistent Facebook messages sent between January 18 and December 4, 2023.
A source close to the situation expressed relief that police had taken the matter seriously, stating: "It was terrifying. They were pleased the police took it seriously. Action has now been taken."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Naomi Broady began her tennis journey aged seven and competed internationally as a junior from 2004 to 2008, reaching the quarter-finals at a Wimbledon girls' event.
Her professional career included wildcard appearances at Wimbledon in 2014 and progression to the US Open's second round in 2016.
The former player achieved notable doubles success, reaching Wimbledon's third round in 2016 and the mixed doubles quarter-finals in both 2014 and 2021.
Naomi Broady was left deeply upset with the ordeal
|She transitioned to broadcasting in 2021, joining BBC Radio 5 Live as a commentator for the US Open.
Richardson faces sentencing on August 18 at Manchester Magistrates' Court, where he will learn the consequences of his harassment and stalking convictions.