A London driver who believed he was in a romantic relationship with a Qatari princess has been sentenced to a 12-month community order and a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Jihad Abusalah, 47, was found guilty of stalking Qatar’s Princess Haya al-Thani. The court was told that Abusalah, who worked as al-Thani’s driver, believed he was romantically involved with her.
Prosecutor David Burns detailed how Abusalah’s behavior escalated, including sending al-Thani gifts such as bracelets and flowers, as well as notes wishing her happy birthday. While al-Thani was in Doha, he began receiving several phone calls from him.
Abusalah also visited al-Thani’s London residence and tried to send him flowers through a member of his staff. His continued behavior caused significant concern, leading al-Thani to ask her husband Mohammed al-Thani to arrange for private security to ensure his safety.
The court heard that al-Thani’s daily life was severely disrupted by Abusalah’s actions. She spoke of feeling unsafe in her own home and expressed concerns about Abusalah’s knowledge of her children’s schedules.
Prosecutor, David Burns, said: “He (al-Thani) said the whole incident had left him anxious and upset. She has said that she cannot live her normal everyday life. She feels that she needs protection for herself and her children.
The princess frequently looked out her windows to make sure he wasn’t around, Burns said.
Defense lawyer Sandeep Pankhania told the court that Abusalah’s actions were influenced by mental illness. “He (Abusalah) was under the mistaken impression that he was in a relationship with the princess,” he said. He divorced his wife because he really held that belief.”
Judge Luisa Sciorra acknowledged the impact of Abusalah’s mental health on his actions, saying, “Your responsibility is substantially diminished by your mental disorder.” But he also noted the “very serious distress” suffered by al-Thani and his family. Acknowledging his remorse, Sciora sentenced Abusalah to a community order and mandatory participation in rehabilitation activities.
A three-year restraining order was issued, banning Abusalah from contacting al-Thani or her husband and banning him from the Hyde Park area of London.
