A London chauffeur has been sentenced to a 12-month community order after being convicted of stalking a member of the Qatari royal family. 47-year-old Jihad Abousalah, who worked as a driver for princess Haya Al-Thani, began to believe the two were in a relationship.
The Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard how Abousalah’s delusions escalated to the point where he repeatedly called the princess while she was in Doha and even tried to deliver flowers to her UK residence. Prosecutor David Burns told the court:
The complainant said that the fact that it was her address left her feeling frightened.
Princess Forced to Hire Private Security
As Abousalah’s concerning behavior intensified, princess Al-Thani grew so alarmed that she spoke to her husband about hiring bodyguards for herself and her children. The chauffeur’s intimate knowledge of the family’s schedules and whereabouts left the royal living in fear.
In a victim impact statement, the princess said she could no longer go about her normal daily life and was constantly checking to see if Abousalah was lurking near her home. The relentless stalking upended her sense of safety and wellbeing.
Abousalah’s Mental Health Struggles
During the sentencing hearing, Abousalah’s defense lawyer revealed that his client was suffering from mental illness when he committed the offenses. Sundeep Pankhania explained:
He had an ill-formed view that he was in a relationship with the princess. He divorced his wife because he genuinely held that belief.
Judge Louisa Cieciora took Abousalah’s psychological state into account when handing down the sentence, noting that his responsibility was “substantially reduced” by his mental disorder. However, she stressed the severe distress inflicted on the victim could not be overlooked.
Community Order and Restraining Order Imposed
In addition to the 12-month community order, the judge imposed a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement on Abousalah. She also put in place a three-year restraining order barring him from contacting princess Al-Thani and her husband or going near the Hyde Park area where they reside.
The case underscores the severe psychological toll that stalking takes on victims, even for those with wealth and status. It also highlights the crucial need to address mental health issues that can fuel delusional and criminal behavior.
Princess Al-Thani will now attempt to rebuild her life and regain a sense of normalcy with her family, hoping the court-mandated interventions will prevent further unwanted intrusions by her former driver. The Qatari royals are expected to maintain heightened security measures going forward.
