SHAHEEN CHISHTI JAILED FOR SEVEN-YEAR STALKING SPREE IN LONDON
A man named Shaheen Chishti has been sentenced to prison after a prolonged period of harassment that spanned over seven years in London.The case highlights the persistent and invasive nature of stalking crimes and the efforts of law enforcement to bring offenders to justice.
Chishti, aged 54 and residing on Foxglove Street in Shepherds Bush, first came to the attention of authorities in 2016 when he began targeting a woman he had met.
His actions included sending numerous sexually explicit and harassing emails, as well as messages through various social media platforms.
Despite initial intervention, his behaviour did not cease, and he continued to pursue the victim relentlessly.
Six years after the initial reports, Chishti’s harassment escalated.
He not only persisted in messaging the woman but also issued threats, including a disturbing declaration that he would drown her.
His intimidation extended beyond the victim herself, as he also contacted her mother, adding a further layer of distress and fear.
Following the first wave of unwanted communications in December 2016, the victim reported Chishti to the police.
Although he was issued a police caution at that time, his harassment persisted.
He continued to send messages from multiple phone numbers and social media accounts, demonstrating a clear pattern of obsessive behaviour.
In September 2022, Chishti’s actions intensified when he managed to obtain the victim’s personal details and used this information to contact her again.
The situation worsened in 2023 when he reached out to the victim’s mother, explicitly describing sexual acts he intended to commit and threatening to throw the victim into water, knowing she could not swim.
This alarming conduct prompted the victim to alert the police once more, especially after Chishti breached his bail conditions on January 23, 2023, and revealed plans to return to the UK from India.
Upon his return to London, authorities swiftly arrested Chishti.
During the arrest, two mobile phones were seized for investigation.
He was released on bail under strict conditions that prohibited any contact with the victim.
Despite these restrictions, police uncovered an extensive trail of messages from Chishti, revealing a long history of threats directed at both the victim and her family.
Chishti’s continued attempts to communicate with the victim led to his re-arrest on October 5, 2023.
His persistent behaviour culminated in a court trial, and on April 24, he was found guilty of stalking with a fear of violence.
The court sentenced him to five years in prison, marking a significant victory for victim protection and law enforcement efforts.
Police Constable Helen Constantinou, who is responsible for policing the Hammersmith & Fulham area, commented on the case: “Officers worked hard to ensure that Chishti faced justice for the persistent stalking and harassment he inflicted on his victim.
We know that some stalking victims are scared to come forward to report these crimes to the police.
However, I would encourage anyone who believes they are being stalked or harassed to report this to the police or the National Stalking Helpline.
This result shows we can and will pursue those who break the law and ensure those at risk are kept safe.”
