Hospital order imposed for psychiatric assessment of West Sussex stalker
Court postpones sentencing to further evaluate mental health
A 40-year-old man from Horsham, West Sussex, who stalked an American social media influencer and followed her to Bali, has been given an interim hospital order for psychiatric assessment.
Rob Keating, of Old Crawley Road, was convicted of two offences of stalking involving fear of violence against Alexandra Saper at Portsmouth Crown Court.
Judge Michael Bowes KC imposed the order for a 12-week period after receiving reports from two forensic psychiatrists recommending further assessment due to Keating’s mental health condition.
He said: “Having regard to the criteria, I received the appropriate written evidence that the offender is suffering from a mental disorder and it is appropriate the order is made and a bed is available today."
Sentencing has been adjourned, with a further hearing set for 13th February 2026 to receive an update on Keating's assessment.
Keating’s behaviour escalated
Hampshire Constabulary said Keating initially contacted Ms Saper via Instagram in June 2022, sending “constant and concerning messages” that led her to block him.
He continued to send hundreds of emails and over 30 videos to her personal address. In December 2022, he threatened to kidnap and rape her in emails, shared photos of her, and sent alarming videos including one where he mentioned putting her body into a suitcase, according to police.
Keating then travelled to Bali, Indonesia, where he reportedly sent her photographic evidence of his presence near locations she frequented. After being spotted by her friends near her home, she fled for safety, first to a friend’s address and then left the country entirely.
Arrests and further contact
Keating was arrested on 6th March 2023 at Gatwick Airport while under investigation. Despite being warned, he later contacted Ms Saper again in November 2024, posting a video to Instagram referencing her along with screenshots of flights back to Bali captioned "Round Two."
He was re-arrested on 11th November 2024.