BRADFORD MAN JAILED FOR RELENTLESS STALKING OF TEENAGE GIRL
A former pharmacist who engaged in persistent stalking of a teenage college student and attempted to lure her into his vehicle has been sentenced to jail by a judge.Atif Ali, aged 40, was detained by police after the victim’s reports of harassment prompted patrols in the Manningham district of Bradford last month.
During the court session, it was stated that Ali, with no prior convictions, initially approached the girl in a car near Midland Road where she was walking to college.
Prosecutor Joel Wootten detailed that Ali asked if she wanted a lift and claimed to be only 23 years old at that time.
In response, the girl told him she was 16 to discourage him, yet he continued to ask for her mobile number.
Wootten added that for a week, Ali would approach her daily in a Mercedes, repeatedly requesting her number and offering rides.
On one occasion, the girl fled to a female pedestrian for safety, and she was taken into her workplace for protection.
A few days later, during another incident, she ran to a nursery and was allowed into a staff member’s car, which then drove her to college.
Ali was observed driving slowly before parking near her when he was arrested.
Upon questioning, Ali claimed he was in the area only to visit the gym.
The teenager was visibly upset and frightened, and was visibly shaken when police took her to college.
Ali was arrested at that point, and he admitted to the stalking offence at a magistrates’ court hearing last month.
In her victim statement, the girl expressed that she wishes to walk freely without fear of harassment or being followed.
She revealed her fear about what might have happened if she hadn’t escaped, especially given that the stalking persisted even after she told Ali she was 16.
She described feeling distraught and hoped Ali would learn from his actions.
It was noted that Ali had been in custody since his arrest, and the court sentenced him to 10 months in prison, to be served immediately rather than suspended.
His lawyer, Timothy Jacobs, explained that Ali was previously employed as a pharmacist until health complications from muscular dystrophy and heart surgery made him unfit for work.
Acknowledging the seriousness of Ali’s misconduct and the girl’s fear, Jacobs requested a suspended sentence.
The judge, Recorder Paul Reid, said it was unfortunate for Ali and his family that he faced court after admitting guilt in such a serious case.
The judge emphasized the daily harassment caused significant distress to the victim and added a five-year restraining order prohibiting Ali from contacting her in the future.
