A MAN WHO conducted a campaign of harassment against a former girlfriend will not have to go straight to jail. Although he received a sentence of two years’ imprisonment, that sentence is suspended.
Misbah Ali, 22, of Repton Street, Tower Hamlets, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court last month, having pleaded guilty to charges arising from his actions in harassing and stalking his ex-girlfriend. He was sentenced to two years in prison, which was suspended, and he was given a restraining order for stalking and disclosing sexual images which prohibits him from contacting or referring to his victim on any social media platform for five years.
The Court was told that the relationship between Ali and his victim was brief, and after it was over Ali began to harass his victim in a campaign which ran from December 2019 to March 2020. He followed her around – which must have been all the more frightening as at the same time he sent her threatening messages and even confronted her, threatening and on at least one occasion, becoming violent. He also posted private photos on Twitter. We have chosen not to report the detail of his threats and actions.
Detective Sergeant Lee Gordon from the local Public Protection Unit said: “Ali subjected the victim to a torrent of hate over a sustained period of time and his fixation caused her serious distress. Adding further insult to the victim, Ali made numerous false allegations about her to police. His actions demonstrated a blatant disregard for the safety and welfare of the woman as he continued his quest to ruin her life. I hope the sentence brings the victim a measure of comfort and that other women suffering from harassment or stalking are encouraged to come forward and speak to police.”
The Restraining Order does give out a welcome message indicating that harassment will not be tolerated. However, women in the community may feel that a suspended prison sentence gives the impression that convicted perpetrators will get off lightly if they behave like this. Where is the punishment in a suspended sentence?
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