Duke says ‘sorry’ to Atomic Kitten star after Twitter abuse

Ms McClarnon, who will be appearing in the Odyssey Arena on Friday as part of the Big Reunion tour, has spoken about how she was ‘living in fear’ after Mr Duke had threatened to rape her.

However, the Lurgan man, who was banned from contacting Liz and five other women, told the ‘MAIL’ his comments were ‘just talk’ and he would never have hurt her.

Mr Duke apologised to all six victims describing his behaviour on Twitter as ‘an addiction’.

He started following Ms McClarnon (32) on Twitter in 2009. After Ms McClarnon blocked him he ‘got mad at her and sent her messages’.

Mr Duke added: “I don’t remember what the messages were because I was drunk a lot of the time. I’m not trying to blame alcohol on it. I did do it and I’m not trying to make excuses because there are none.”

He said he was extremely ashamed about what had happened and hoped to put it behind him and ‘turn a new corner’.

Ms McClarnon will speak of her ordeal in a forthcoming episode of documentary series, ‘My Secret Past’, to be screened by Channel Five.

Mr Duke pleaded guilty to six charges of harassment. He was also sentenced to three years probation and a community sex offences programme, as well as drug and alcohol counselling.

He is also subject to restraining orders banning him from contacting his victims for ever.

Read the full interview in this week’s Lurgan Mail.