Obsessed fan tried to torch home

An obsessed woman who stalked Ken Dodd has been ordered to remain in hospital for psychiatric treatment.

Ruth Tagg posted a dead rat to the Knotty Ash home Dodd shares with his partner, Anne Jones, and pushed burning rags through their letterbox, causing £11,000 of fire damage.

The 35-year-old, from Bedminster, Bristol, admitted arson and harassment when she appeared at Preston crown court in March.

But yesterday Winchester crown court. heard that her condition had deteriorated, so Mr Justice Morland extended her interim hospital order until July 31..

Tagg, who regarded Ms Jones as a love rival, also bombarded the couple with threatening letters and cards, plus three T-shirts bearing offensive messages and six indecent photographs.

She also attended Dodd's gigs, deliberately sitting in a prominent position in clear view of the 71-year-old comic.

Published: 5 Jul 2003