Crime
‘Risk to the public’ Cambridge stalker jailed
A man who stalked his ex-girlfriend despite the pair splitting up several years ago has been jailed.
Shuhan Shahid, of Darwin Drive, Cambridge, came to the attention of police after his former girlfriend raised concerns about his level of contact.
The 35-year-old had been in a relationship with the woman for only a short amount of time in 2017 but despite this, continued to turn up unannounced at her home and bombard her with calls and text messages.
Shuhan Shahid, of Darwin Drive, Cambridge jailed: ‘Stalking can be a terrifying experience and leave victims feeling isolated and frightened’
The woman confided in officers how she felt Shahid’s continued contact was an effort to try and rekindle the relationship but, when she told him this isn’t what she wanted, he often reacted angrily and made threats of violence or criminal damage.
She told police how Shahid was very jealous of her being with other men and that this had so far prevented her from moving on with her own life.
On the evening of 30 August last year, Shahid again turned up without warning at the woman’s house. He began randomly talking about fishing before mentioning the pair getting back together.
When the woman reiterated that she didn’t want this and asked Shahid to leave, he was reluctant to do so even when she claimed to be on the phone to police about his behaviour.
When he eventually left, he bombarded her with calls, texts and voicemails for another five hours and some of these were threatening in nature.
The behaviour continued from the early hours of the following day, on 31 August, and Shahid again turned up unannounced at the woman’s home and threatened to harm her.
Police were called and searched the area but to no avail. Despite knowing his victim had called the police Shahid’s calls and messages to the woman continued.
Shahid had even called police himself, where he refused to hand himself in and said he would continue his harassment.
The woman reported further threats from Shahid on 1 September, but this time towards members of her family.
Shahid was arrested and in police interview denied any stalking but was later charged with the offence.
He appeared at Peterborough Crown Court on Tuesday (17 January), where Recorder Lorna Skinner QC sentenced him to one year in prison after a probation report ruled he was a risk to the public, particularly women, with a developing pattern of offending and lack of proper responsibility being taken for his actions.
Shahid was also handed a restraining order, preventing him from having any contact with his victim for five years and two months.
DS Josh Mills said: “Shahid refused to accept the relationship was over and persistently stalked and harassed his former girlfriend. Stalking can be a terrifying experience and leave victims feeling isolated and frightened.
“This case helps to highlight that stalking isn’t a one-off crime and can often include a series of incidents which, when taken in isolation may seem trivial, but when put together can be very scary.
“We would encourage anyone who fears they may be being stalked or harassed to get in touch. We’re here for victims 24/7 and will support them, as well as do all we can to bring offenders to justice.”
