BRISTOL WOMAN RUTH TAGG STALKS AND SETS FIRE TO KEN DODD'S HOME IN KNOTTY ASH

A woman from Bristol named Ruth Tagg has been found guilty of a series of disturbing and dangerous actions directed towards the well-known comedian Ken Dodd and his long-term partner, Anne Jones. The case, which has garnered significant media attention, revealed that Tagg had been obsessively fixated on the couple, leading her to commit multiple acts of harassment and violence over a period of more than a year.

According to court records, Ruth Tagg was responsible for setting fire to Dodd's residence in Knotty Ash, Liverpool, in October 2001. The fire caused substantial damage, estimated at around £11,000, primarily affecting the ground floor of the property. Court proceedings detailed that she had deliberately shoved burning rags through the letterbox while the couple was away, an act that could have resulted in tragic consequences had they been present. This reckless act was part of a broader pattern of threatening behavior and intimidation.

In addition to the arson, Tagg sent a total of 12 threatening letters and cards to the couple, many of which contained offensive messages. She also sent three T-shirts emblazoned with derogatory and offensive remarks directed at Ms. Jones, further demonstrating her obsession and hostility. The harassment extended into the realm of indecency, as she sent six explicit photographs, all of which were opened and viewed by Ms. Jones. These actions contributed to the court's decision to consider her dangerous and mentally unwell.

At the time of her arrest, Ruth Tagg was detained in a psychiatric hospital under the Mental Health Act, indicating concerns about her mental state. The court heard that she viewed Ms. Jones, who has been Mr. Dodd's partner for 13 years, as a rival for his affections. The prosecution initially considered charging her with arson with the intent to endanger life; however, this more serious charge was ultimately dropped. Instead, she pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of reckless endangerment, acknowledging that she did not necessarily intend to endanger lives but was aware that her actions could have had such consequences.

Further disturbing revelations included her previous admission of sending a dead rat through the mail, although she initially denied harassment. The case also highlighted her long-standing obsession, which included attending Dodd's shows and creating disturbances in public venues. Her behavior prompted her arrest in May of the previous year, when Dodd was scheduled to perform in New Brighton, Wirral.

Judge presiding over the case emphasized the need for psychiatric assessment and ordered Ruth Tagg to remain in custody until her sentencing, which is expected to take place before Easter. Ken Dodd, aged 71, who has received numerous honors including the Freedom of Liverpool and an OBE in 1982, chose not to comment publicly after leaving the court. His career in comedy and entertainment spans several decades, making the attack and harassment all the more shocking to his fans and the public.