Qatar Princess stalked by chauffeur who believed they were dating
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A Qatari princess was stalked by her former driver who deluged her with calls and presents in the belief they were dating, a court heard. Chauffeur Jihad Abousalah, 47, targeted Haya Al-Thani, a member of the Qatar Royal Family, after he had been hired to drive her around London.
Westminster magistrates court heard Abousalah sent flowers to Ms Al-Thani, a Happy Birthday note, and gifts including a bracelet. The princess, who is married, then began to receive calls from Abousalah while she was in Doha. She told the court she had to hire private security due to the stalking campaign, and was left fearful for her children’s safety.
Abousalah, of Park West, Edgware Road, northwest London, was sentenced on Friday to a 12-month community order, having pleaded guilty to stalking between March 1 and March 23 this year. He appeared in court wearing a shirt and trousers, and with his facial hair styled in a long beard.
Prosecutor David Burns told the hearing: “He sent her notes wishing her happy birthday - the gifts included a bracelet and flowers.”. He continued: “The complainant was staying in Doha and began to receive a number of calls.”. Abousalah also attended Ms Al-Thani’s London home and attempted to give a member of staff flowers for her.
“(She) said that the fact that it was her address left her feeling frightened”, said Mr Burns. The court heard that Ms Al-Thani became so concerned about Abousalah’s behaviour that she asked her husband, Mohamed Al-Thani, to hire private security.
