Man sentenced at Guildford Crown Court over racially aggravated harassment of students
He pleaded guilty to a string of offences
Last updated 1st Sep 2021
A man has been sentenced at Guildford Crown Court for a string of offences, including taking pictures of female students on campus and uploading them to Instagram with offensive comments.
Thomas Cramer, 29, of Liberty Lane in Addlestone, was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment and a five year Criminal Behaviour Order yesterday (26 August), after pleading guilty to harassment, racially aggravated harassment, possession of cannabis and driving without a licence or insurance.
The 10-month sentence consists of five months served and five months on licence.
He was first arrested on 30 May after police received reports of a man taking pictures of female students on the Royal Holloway campus in Egham and uploading them to Instagram with derogatory comments.
When users would comment on his posts challenging him, he would reply with threats of violence and, in some cases, racist comments.
After being released under investigation, Cramer was rearrested on 1 June after police received further reports of him uploading similar content to his Instagram account and continuing to threaten people online.
When he presented himself at Staines police station, he was found in possession and under the influence of cannabis.
He was further arrested for a range of driving offences and possession of a Class B drug.
In addition to the above offences , Cramer was also sentenced for racially abusing his housing officer on two occasions in March.
Cramer’s Criminal Behaviour Order prohibits him from entering the Royal Holloway University, including student accommodation.
He must also not film or photograph any female or upload such images to social media or any website without their written permission.
Inspector James Wyatt, Borough Commander for Runnymede, said: “Cramer made the students at The Royal Holloway fear for their safety in the place that they lived, studied and socialised.
"His racist and derogatory comments towards ethnic minorities and women are wholly unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
"I would like to thank everyone who came forward and reported these incidents to us, I hope that this sentence provides some reassurance to Surrey’s student community.”