Alex Belfield has been recalled to prison as of 26 March 2026, after breaching the licence conditions under which he was released early in June 2025. The former BBC radio presenter was originally jailed in September 2022 for stalking and harassing a number of high-profile broadcasters, including Jeremy Vine.

Who Is Alex Belfield?

Alex Belfield is a former BBC local radio presenter who worked at stations including BBC Radio Leeds and BBC Radio Nottingham before being dismissed. He went on to build a significant online following through his YouTube channel, Alex Belfield – The Voice of Reason, which at its peak attracted hundreds of thousands of subscribers. He used the platform to make lengthy commentary videos targeting journalists, broadcasters and public figures he disagreed with, which prosecutors later argued amounted to a sustained and deliberate campaign of harassment.

What Was Alex Belfield Convicted Of?

In September 2022, Belfield was convicted at Nottingham Crown Court of four stalking offences out of eight charges he faced. Two of the convictions involved causing serious alarm and distress to victims, while the other two related to stalking with a course of conduct that caused real psychological harm. Prosecutors described the offending as a vicious and continued campaign of abuse carried out primarily through online channels, including social media posts, emails and YouTube videos in which Belfield urged his followers to pile pressure on his targets.

How Long Was His Sentence?

The judge at Nottingham Crown Court sentenced Belfield to five years and 26 weeks in prison, making it one of the most significant sentences handed down in England and Wales for a stalking offence at the time. He was also made subject to restraining orders prohibiting him from contacting his victims, orders that remain in force following his recall to custody. Under standard release provisions, Belfield became eligible for release once he had served half of his custodial term, which is why he was freed well before the full sentence expired.

When Was Alex Belfield Released From Prison?

Belfield was released from HMP Fosse Way on 12 June 2025, having served approximately three years of his five-and-a-half-year sentence. His early release was automatic under the standard half-tariff provisions that apply to determinate sentences in England and Wales, subject to conditions set by the Probation Service. Those conditions typically include requirements such as residing at an approved address, not contacting victims named in restraining orders, and complying with supervision appointments. If you want to understand more about how early release works in the UK, our guide to the Parole Board and release process sets out the key rules.

Why Has He Been Recalled to Prison?

On 26 March 2026, the Prison and Probation Service confirmed that Alex Belfield had been recalled to custody for breaching the conditions of his licence. The authorities declined to specify exactly how he had breached those conditions, which is standard practice in recall cases. Under the recall system in England and Wales, the Probation Service can return an offender to prison if they believe the person has broken any of the terms attached to their release — for example by contacting a protected victim, failing to comply with supervision requirements, or committing a further offence. Once recalled, Belfield is likely to remain in custody while a review is conducted. If the recall is not overturned, he could be required to serve the remainder of his original sentence behind bars. For more information about how prisoner recall works, see our overview of prison sentences in the UK.

Who Were Alex Belfield’s Victims?

Belfield’s victims included Jeremy Vine, the well-known BBC Two and Channel 5 television presenter, and Bernie Keith, a presenter at BBC Radio Northampton (also referred to as Bernard Spedding in court proceedings). Two further individuals were named in the proceedings for offences of causing alarm and distress. Vine has spoken publicly about the toll the harassment campaign took on him and his family over a prolonged period. The victims were subjected to a barrage of online content, emails and encouragement directed at Belfield’s followers to intensify pressure on them. If you or someone you know has a family member currently in prison, our guide to booking a prison visit may be of help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Alex Belfield back in prison?

Alex Belfield was recalled to prison on 26 March 2026 for breaching the conditions of his licence following his early release in June 2025. The Prison and Probation Service confirmed the recall but did not publicly disclose which specific licence condition was breached.

What did Alex Belfield do to get sent to prison originally?

Belfield was convicted in September 2022 of four stalking offences at Nottingham Crown Court. He ran a sustained online campaign harassing several broadcasters, including Jeremy Vine and Bernie Keith of BBC Radio Northampton, through social media, emails and YouTube videos.

How long is Alex Belfield’s original sentence?

The court sentenced Belfield to five years and 26 weeks in prison. He was released automatically at the halfway point in June 2025 but has since been recalled to custody for breaching his licence conditions.

Which prison is Alex Belfield in?

The specific prison to which Belfield has been recalled has not been confirmed by the authorities. When he was originally sentenced he served part of his time at HMP Fosse Way before his release in June 2025.

What happens now that Alex Belfield has been recalled to prison?

Following his recall, Belfield will be assessed by the Probation Service and the case may be reviewed by the Parole Board. If the recall is upheld, he could be required to serve the remainder of his original sentence in custody before becoming eligible for release again.