Scary: Ghost hunter who hears voices in graveyards says we shouldn't fear spirits

EXCLUSIVE: Stuart James, 49, revealed what he's learnt about his time hunting ghosts. Although he admits he's had some "scary" experiences, he said people shouldn't be afraid of the dead.

A ghost hunter claimed we shouldn't be afraid of ghosts – as long as we learn how to show them respect.

Stuart James, paranormal enthusiast and author, has been obsessed with ghosts since he was just a boy.

This led him to spending his spare time hunting ghosts and – over time – he's learnt there are some major dos and don'ts.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Star, the 49-year-old said his infatuation first began when he was a tot and his family would spend a lot of time in Ireland.

They used to stay at a place named Cloontia – and he said the area was full of mystery and ghoulish tales.

Stuart James has always been fascinated by the paranormal, and now he hunts ghosts
Stuart, from Bushey near Hertfordshire, said: "Basically, since I was around three or four, I have always been fascinated by ghosts and the paranormal.

"I used to go to Ireland as a child, and it was basically in the middle of nowhere.
"The nearest shop was probably a mile or so away.

"I just used to love going there – it was so scary.
"There was a story about the nuns of Tully Cross – I was told you were able to see headless nuns.

"People in the pub were always telling stories of these headless nuns, and I was just fascinated by it."

The ghost hunter also believes he managed to capture an orb on camera

He said he would spend hours with his family trying to spot the nuns, and there were rumours that if you drove past the area then your car would "conk out".
This was how he first gained a deep interest in the paranormal, and he carried this fascination with him throughout his life.
Stuart now spends his spare time ghost hunting with his daughter, who is 17.

They have spotted many surreal things on their hunts, and they have even caught some of these moments on camera.
One time the pair were streaming live at an old castle and, in the footage, you can clearly see a creepy face at the window.

Stuart managed to capture a picture of a mysterious face in a window

They also managed to catch another figure on camera, as well as what they think is an orb.
The father said they often go exploring at a graveyard nearby where they live, and he said there's been a lot of alleged sightings there.

"So many people have seen things up there," he added.
"Jack The Ripper is thought to be buried there.

"We have done a few ghost hunts there - we have heard noises and whispers."
Stuart said they also once used a spirit box in the area, which is a ghost hunting tool that helps people communicate with spirits.

This experience proved to be very spooky for the family.
He said: "We heard a voice come through and it told us 'get out, run'.

"We just ran for our lives – that was very frightening."
Stuart also said he set up an EVP recorder at his previous home, which works to pick things up that the ear can't hear.

He said he once heard a ghost approach his bed before walking away, and he said the noise was distinct.
"I have always been fascinated by it," he added. "I just love it - it's absolutely my passion."

His interest in the paranormal is probably what led to him gaining a love for horror, and he now writes fiction as a result.
Stuart started writing during his late 40s, and went onto win an award for his second novel.

His latest novel, The App, has recently been released and it's a thriller about an app that won't let people leave without great consequences.


Stuart doesn't think we should be afraid of spirits, as long as we respect them
But, while he may keep his readers in suspense and worry with his novels, Stuart doesn't think people should be afraid of spirits.

He does, however, think learning to develop a level of respect with them is key.

When asked if he thinks people should be afraid of ghosts, Stuart added: "You have to know how to communicate with them.

"You have to give them respect. You can't just barge in and go 'is there anybody here'.
"I'm a strong believer in the afterlife and the paranormal. There is too much proof to show that there is.

"I would never to the Ouija board – I'm frightened of the Ouija board.
"You just have to communicate.
"Once you have earned their respect – there is no reason to be frightened. At least, that's how I feel."