‘Frightening letters’ turned John Lennon into a recluse, says Ono

JOHN LENNON’S last five years contained sleepless nights caused

Yoko Ono gave a rare insight into the former Beatle’s reclusive New York lifestyle as she accused his ex-personal assistant of stealing Lennon’s personal diaries and exploiting intimate family photos.

As their only son Sean sketched in the public gallery, she said his birth in 1975 had generated “intense interest” and left John feeling increasingly concerned for the family’s safety.

“There were frightening letters,” Ono said. “There were times when John couldn’t sleep at night.”

Ono, 69, said Lennon’s lawyer had advised the couple to get their employees, including the man she is suing, Frederic Seaman, to sign confidentiality agreements.

“We often told Seaman, and reminded him how important it was, not to divulge any information about our whereabouts.”

In 1982, two years after Lennon was murdered, Ono discovered Seaman had stolen personal material, including drafts of Lennon’s letters to friends, such as Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton.

Seaman pleaded guilty to theft in 1983 and was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to return all the property. But Ono argues he later sold 11 of the documents he was supposed to return to the family.

Ono is suing Seaman for the rights to 374 photos he took of Lennon and turn over about 75,000 in profits from the sale of the rock legend’s manuscripts and revealing letters. Seaman argues the copyright is his because the photos were not taken as part of his job.

Seaman’s lawyer says Ono wants sole control of Lennon’s image.