London Driver Stalks Qatari Princess, Sentenced to Community Service.
A London chauffeur who believed he was romantically involved with a Qatari princess has been sentenced to a 12-month community order and a 30-day rehabilitation requirement by Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
Jihad Abousalah, 47, was found guilty of stalking Princess Haya Al-Thani.
Employed as the princess’s chauffeur, Abousalah wrongly believed they were in a relationship.
Prosecutor David Burns described how Abousalah’s behavior escalated over time. He sent gifts, including flowers and a bracelet, and frequently called Al-Thani while she was in Doha. On one occasion, he tried to deliver flowers to her London residence through a staff member.
Concerned for her safety, Al-Thani requested private security from her husband, Mohamed Al-Thani. She reported feeling unsafe in her home and expressed fears that Abousalah knew her children’s schedules.
Burns stated, “The incident caused her alarm and distress. She could not go about her normal day-to-day life and felt the need for protection for herself and her children.”
Abousalah’s defense lawyer, Sundeep Pankhania, explained that his actions were influenced by mental illness.
“He had an ill-formed belief that he was in a relationship with the princess. He even divorced his wife based on that belief,” Pankhania said.
Judge Louisa Cieciora acknowledged Abousalah’s mental health issues, reducing his responsibility but noting the significant distress caused to the princess and her family.
In addition to community service, Abousalah was issued a three-year restraining order, prohibiting him from contacting Al-Thani or her husband. He is also banned from entering London’s Hyde Park area.
