Drifter is guilty of stalking Madonna
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.TIM CORNWELL
Los Angeles
A drifter who threatened to slit Madonna's throat "from ear to ear", then scaled the wall of her Hollywood mansion and took a dip in her pool before being shot twice by her bodyguard, was found guilty yesterday of stalking and threatening her.
Robert Dewey Hoskins, 38, was convicted after a three day trial on five counts of stalking and threatening the pop star and assaulting a bodyguard. He faces a possible 10 years in jail.
Testifying under her full name of Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone, the singer told the court she was terrified of Hoskins and had sufferednightmares.
Hoskins's attorney described him as "a homeless person" who was no threat. But in a scrawled note he wrote he loved Madonna and wanted to make her his wife, while he also yelled threats outside her gate.
Hoskins twice came to Madonna's Hollywood Hills estate before the day last May when he jumped over the wall, taking a swim before turning violent and lunging at one of the star's bodyguards. Hoskins's attorney claimed Madonna had "totally exaggerated" her fear and acted like a "prima donna" in court. He said his client's worst crime was trespassing.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments