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Cheryl Cole is living in constant fear that a convicted killer who stalked her could soon be released from prison. The former Girls Aloud singer and ex-partner of One Direction's Liam Payne is reportedly terrified that Daniel Bannister, a man with a history of violence and stalking, could return to her home within weeks.
Bannister, who was previously convicted of manslaughter in 2012, recently breached a restraining order when he showed up at Cole's mansion in December. Despite being sentenced to four months in prison, the stalker had already spent three months on remand-meaning his release could happen at any moment.
According to a source close to the singer, "Cheryl's life has turned into a real-life horror show, and honestly, it's hard not to feel for her. I mean, can you believe she's living in constant fear that Bannister might just show up at her doorstep just a few weeks after being sent to jail?"
Panic intensifies as release date approaches
The insider added, "She has even upped the security at her home like it's a scene from some thriller movie, and every time she steps outside, it's like she's bracing for an attack."
Cole, 41, shares her $6 million home with her eight-year-old son Bear, whom she had with Liam Payne. The source continued, "Meanwhile, she's trying to juggle her own trauma over Liam's death while helping Bear cope with losing his dad."
In September 2023, Bannister was handed a four-month sentence for targeting Cole's home twice earlier that year. He returned again in December, where Cole told authorities, "I knew this was Daniel because I have had previous incidents where he has come to my property. I immediately panicked and feared for my and my child's safety. I was concerned he was looking for a way into the property."
She added, "My son was due back from the cinema and I didn't want him to see Daniel. I want to protect my child from any harm."
That incident came just weeks after Cole had attended Liam Payne's funeral following his tragic death from a fall in Argentina. The stress of managing her grief and fear has reportedly taken its toll.
"Friends and family are totally freaking out about Bannister's potential release," the insider said. "They can see her 'mum face' is just a front. The smallest things set her off - poor Cheryl is struggling while pretending everything's fine in front of Bear."
As of now, Cheryl has reportedly increased her home security and remains on high alert, hoping the justice system takes further precautions to keep her and her son safe.