Brighton stalker 'terrorised' almost 60 women with malicious phone calls
The 42-year-old has been handed a nine-year jail sentence
A Brighton man has been jailed for nine years after bombarding almost 60 women with hundreds of threatening and malicious phone calls.
Sussex Police said Ameer Tahir would call them at all times of the day and night using a withheld number, making obscene threats including rape and other violent sexual acts.
He was able to use his job in the hospitality industry to acquire the contact details of many of his victims, also gaining some through mutual acquaintances.
Police arrested the 42-year-old at his home in Kings Road.
Tahir was initially charged with 13 counts of stalking and released on bail, but subsequent searches of his property found a second phone which revealed the full scale of his crimes - and that he had continued to target victims while bailed.
He was further arrested on Monday 5 December, 2022, and charged with 12 counts of stalking, 2 counts of sending communication conveying indecent or offensive messages, 1 count of racially aggravated stalking, failure to comply with the sex offenders’ register and possession of a Class B drug.
Tahir pleaded guilty to all counts at Lewes Crown Court on January 16th and was sentenced there on Wednesday (May 10th).
He will spend nine years in custody and four more on extended license.
Investigator Lucia Calandriello said: “Ameer Tahir terrorised dozens of innocent women across the UK, subjecting them to vile, misogynistic threats of violence, rape and other violations.
“This long, complex investigation revealed the previously unknown scale of his offending and allowed us to achieve justice for all of these brave women who supported us throughout these proceedings.
“I would like to thank each of them for their sticking with the investigation through to sentencing and I hope this result brings them some measure of closure.
“Stalking, harassment and any form of violence against women and girls will not be tolerated in Sussex. This conclusion should send a clear message to perpetrators and victims that we will fully investigate all complaints and secure the justice they deserve.”
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner, and National Stalking Awareness Lead for the Association of Police & Crime Commissioners, Katy Bourne said: “The crimes committed by this individual put his victims through psychological torment.
“He abused his working position to gain information that caused distress and turmoil to dozens of women and thought he could get away with it by simply withholding his telephone number.
“I commend the investigative work and dedication shown by Sussex Police which has ensured that another menacing stalker will no longer be able to intimidate and terrify victims.
“I also want to acknowledge the courage and tenacity of the women who helped to bring him to justice. Today’s verdict sends a strong message that we take stalking seriously in Sussex.”