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New Delhi: A 26-year-old man is facing deportation from the UK after repeatedly harassing a female colleague at London zoo. The accused, identified as Asish Jose Paul, had ignored multiple warnings, a bail order along with a restraining order before being ordered deported.
The victim, identified as Lutaruta Masiulonyte, alleged that she is distressed by the continuous stalking, messages and gifts sent by Paul. She no longer feels safe in London, anymore. The accused had been harassing his co-worker for over six months between July and December 2024. Despite several warnings, Paul continued to show up at her workplace again and again.
The accused Paul had pursued a master's degree from Anglia Ruskin University (2022-2023) and worked at the London Zoo cafe, where he met the woman. Paul started harassing Masiulonyte by sending her unwanted messages, sending gifts and finally proposing to her. Even as the victim blocked him, he continued to show up at her workplace. He was then arrested and ordered not to contact her or be seen near her workplace. Denying all the aforementioned orders, the accused unbothered appeared at her workplace the next day. Paul was then re-arrested with the charges of stalking and given bail by magistrates with conditions of not entering the zoo and trying to contact the complainant again, the Daily Mail reported.
The accused denying all restrictions, dared to go to the zoo, the third time. He was arrested and subsequently bailed on the condition not to go within 50 metres of London Zoo. But Paul visited the tourist attraction once again, claiming to the Royal Park attendants that he was "in love" with his former colleague, the report added.
The victim Masiulonyte alleged that the incident took a toll on her mental and emotional health. She added that her family is worried about her safety , and she is scared and anxious about staying in London. "I lost my independence through the harassment. I have to rely on someone to be with me to feel safe," the report quoted Masiulonyte as saying.
While sentencing, Paul Judge said, "You approached her at work and asked her why she was not replying to your messages. She made it clear that she was uncomfortable and blocked your number."
Although a pre- sentence report claim that Paul was autistic, Judge Sandu is doubtful about it. The defendant previously stated that Paul was the only earning member of the family. "But you also say that you are supported by your family. Those two things seem to cancel each other out as far as I am concerned," the judge was quoted as saying by The Daily Mail.
Judge Sandu further warned the Indian guy to leave the victim alone Paul, or it could lead to five years in prison. "Your visa is due to expire on September 13, 2025. You meet the requirements for deportation unless you are granted a new visa," he further added.
