Mother of stalker joined harassment of banker

A SOLICITOR bombarded her ex-boyfriend with phone calls, turned up outside his home and even followed him to South Africa as part of a “persistent” stalking campaign, a court heard.

Emma Patel, 30, spent months chasing Dominic Fernandes, a banker, after their relationship fell apart.

She sent him, his family and friends messages on social media, as well as a deluge of texts and emails, a court heard.

Her mother, Kerttu Patel, 64, also took part in the act, sending Mr Fernandes messages after he and her daughter split.

Mr Fernandes said he now fears going out in London and that he still suffers stress as a result of the stalking.

According to the Evening Standard, Isleworth Crown Court heard how Patel qualified as a solicitor four years ago and worked in commercial litigation for her father Ashok Patel’s firm until March last year.

Alexandra Felix, her defence counsel, said her client did not have a “vicious” intent and just wanted to restart the relationship.

Describing her client, Ms Felix said: “She is a young woman working in the legal system; she has lost all of that.”

Patel, who had worked for Rippon, Patel & French, based in Harley Street, was handed an 11-month suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to one charge of harassment by stalking.

Her mother was given a one-month suspended jail sentence.

Both women were ordered to carry out a 20-day community order and banned from contacting Mr Fernandes or his family.

Sentencing the pair, Judge Edward Connell said: “This is a sad case. You are two professional women of hitherto good character.

“This was a joint enterprise ... this was a protracted and persistent enterprise.”

Describing the impact that the fourmonth campaign had on him, Mr Fernandes said in a victim impact statement: “I’m scared where I go in London. The worst bit is getting on public transport and the fear they will get on.”

Home Office advice says: “Stalking is illegal and can include being followed or constantly harassed by another person such as being sent unwanted emails.

“Contact the police if you’re being stalked – you have a right to feel safe in your home and workplace.”