Stalker banned from Wimbledon after visiting Raducanu home
Five-year restraining order for delivering unwanted gifts to star and stealing father’s trainer from porch
A MAN who stalked tennis star Emma Raducanu and sent her unwanted gifts has been handed a five-year restraining order banning him from Wimbledon.
Amrit Magar, 35, made three visits to the British number one’s home in London, where she lives with her parents, between Nov 1 and Dec 4 last year.
The unemployed former delivery driver loitered outside the property, left gifts and cards, and stole a trainer from the porch thinking it belonged to the 19-year-old.
Magar was found guilty of stalking following a trial last month. He appeared at Bromley magistrates’ court yesterday to be sentenced.
District Judge Sushil Kumar handed him a five-year restraining order. It prevents him from contacting Miss Raducanu or her parents, going within a mile of their street, or attending any sport grounds where Miss Raducanu is training or competing.
He will not be permitted to attend Wimbledon as a spectator if she takes part in the tournament this summer.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club said: “We have measures in place to protect the health and safety of our players.”
Prosecutor Denise Clewes told the court Magar had caused “considerable distress” to Miss Raducanu, and her family are considering moving to a more secure location. Ms Clewes added: “The incidents made her feel very apprehensive if she goes out. Her parents are reluctant to let her go out on her own. She feels her freedom has been taken away and is constantly looking over her shoulder.” On Magar’s first visit to the property, he took a bouquet of flowers with a note attached, which read: “Nothing to say but you deserve love.” It was signed by Magar as being from him, his wife and their dog Logan.
The following week, he delivered a map he had drawn, of the 23 miles he claimed to have walked from his home to their address. It was posted through their letterbox in a red envelope.
On his final visit, he decorated a tree in the garden with Christmas lights and left spare decorations in a gift bag at the front door. He then took a trainer with him when he left.
Miss Raducanu’s father saw Magar on the doorstep through a doorbell camera. When Mr Raducanu got to the door, Magar had moved to the other side of the road and was walking to catch a bus.
Mr Raducanu followed him in his car and called the police. The bus was eventually stopped by officers.
When arrested, Magar had the trainer in his bag. He told officers that he had taken it as a “souvenir”. Seval Dunn, defending Magar, said he has been married for 10 years and his wife is a dental nurse. He is originally from Nepal.
She added: “He was drawn to Miss Raducanu because of her high-profile status after her victory in the US Open.
“He appears a mild-mannered man. It has caused him a lot of anxiety and distress. He didn’t want Miss Raducanu to suffer.”
Miss Raducanu is the reigning US Open champion and the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title since 1977. She was BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2021. This week, she retired midway through her first-round match at the Guadalajara Open in Mexico due to a hip injury.
Her parents said they feared Magar might now seek “revenge” because the family informed police. Mr Raducanu added: “It opened my eyes to how exposed we are as a family and how easy it is for someone to find where we live.”
Magar, of north-west London, has one previous conviction for an offence unrelated to stalking.
In addition to the restraining order yesterday, the judge gave him an 18-month community order. He must complete 200 hours of unpaid work and abide by a 9pm to 6am curfew for eight weeks, wearing an electronic tag. He must also pay £595 in costs.