Artist Charged with Stalking and Blackmailing Matt Lucas

A male artist has been charged with stalking and blackmailing Little Britain star Matt Lucas, the Daily Mail can reveal. German-born Alijoscha Quooss, 36, who lives in London, has been charged by the Crown Prosecution Service. The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation after comic Lucas, 51, reported Quooss to them. Police say Quooss is understood to have now left the country. A spokesperson for the force said: 'Charges have been authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) against Alijoscha Quooss, 36 (05.01.90), of Cornwall Avenue, E2 for stalking and blackmail. 'Quooss failed to answer bail to be formally charged and is now understood to have left the UK. Enquiries are ongoing. 'The charges follow allegations reported to police on 26 June. Quooss was arrested the following day.' The arrest came just three weeks after Mr Lucas failed to get a gag order against Mr Quooss at an emergency High Court hearing. Mr Lucas, represented by a KC, was seeking an interim injunction against Quooss, who represented himself, but the judge dismissed his application. Quooss has not been allowed to contact Mr Lucas or go near his address as part of his bail conditions.