Last Updated:December 29, 2024, 11:00 IST

Jihad Abousalah was hired to drive the atari princess in London, but he started sending her flowers, a birthday card and various gifts, believing they were in a relationship.

A former driver of Qatari princess Haya Al-Thani has been convicted of stalking her after he believed they were in a relationship. Jihad Abousalah was hired to drive the princess during her trip to London, but his behaviour became questionable. He sent her flowers, a birthday card and various gifts, including a bracelet. Believing they were together, Abousalah even divorced his wife in the hopes of spending life with the princess. Al-Thani also received phone calls and was forced to hire private security, for her and her children’s safety. For the incident that took place between March 1 and March 23, the driver pleaded guilty and was given a 12-month community order by the Westminster magistrates’ court.

As per The Guardian, prosecutor David Burns, in the court said, “The complainant [Al-Thani] was staying in Doha and began to receive a number of calls. The complainant stated she spoke to her husband about hiring bodyguards. She said the whole incident caused her alarm and distress. She has said she could not go about her normal day-to-day life. She feels she needs protection for herself and for her children.”

Jihad Abousalah went as far as visiting the princess’ home and attempted to give flowers to one of her staff members on his behalf. This made Haya Al-Thani feel scared, because he knew details about her children’s routine. She also became anxious and often checked her window to see if he was around. Due to the incident, she felt uneasy and became concerned for her safety.

In defence of the driver, his lawyer, Sundeep Pankhania, argued in court that his client was experiencing mental health issues at the time of the stalking. Pankhania said, “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 explained that she carefully reviewed a medical report before making her decision. The judge acknowledged that Abousalah’s mental health problems became a big reason for his behaviour and because of this, he was less responsible for his actions.

However, she also pointed out that his actions left the victim in distress. The judge accepted that he genuinely regrets his actions. Because of his issues, the judge gave Abousalah a 12 month community order, which includes a 30 day rehabilitation program. She also ordered a 3 year restraining order, meaning he is not allowed to contact Princess Haya Al-Thani, her husband or go near the Hyde Park area.