Stalker fell for English teacher

A MATURE student became so infatuated with a college lecturer he told her colleagues they were in a relationship.

Ibrahim Abdulghani would watch Hayley Weymyss through the windows to her classroom as she taught.

He also followed her to the gym to watch her exercise and tried to persuade her to meet up with him.

Yesterday he was banned from contacting Miss Weymyss, and fellow Stoke-on-Trent College lecturer Ruth Parkes, who he bombarded with text messages and phone calls.

North Staffordshire Magistrates' Court heard Abdulghani, pictured, enrolled on an English course at the college in 2007.

The 31-year-old was taught by English lecturer Miss Parkes, who initially had no problems with the student.

But in February he met Miss Weymyss and began a seven-month campaign of harassment against her.

He initially approached her saying he had a problem with Miss Parkes, but Miss Weymyss suggested he speak to Miss Parkes about the issue.

Andrea Clegg, prosecuting, said: "He said he wasn't happy with her answer and started sweating heavily and saying, 'I hate her'.

"He continued standing outside Miss Weymyss's classroom and peering through the windows. Then she found out he had been telling her colleagues they were having a relationship.

"She said it was all lies and that he had made it up. She said he made her feel uncomfortable."

The court heard that on one occasion he approached her in the gym and grabbed her wrist, insisting he wanted to meet up with her outside college.

Abdulghani continued to pester Miss Weymyss and she reported his behaviour to her manager.

Although Stoke-on-Trent College made the decision not to enrol the defendant this year, because of his behaviour, he continued to turn up and call to speak to Miss Weymyss.

Abdulghani also admitted harassing Miss Parkes to try and get to Miss Weymyss.

The court was told he sent her numerous text messages and rang her until she was forced to change her mobile phone number.

Miss Parkes said she felt "scared, upset and harassed".

Abdulghani, of Chatham Street, Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent admitted two counts of harassment and was given an 18-month community order with supervision and also a two-year restraining order banning him from contacting Hayley Weymyss and Ruth Parkes.

He is also forbidden from entering Stoke-on-Trent College grounds.

The defendant said in interview he had received signs from Miss Weymyss which he perceived to be signals of love interest.

He admitted texting Miss Parkes, but said once he received a text from her asking him not to contact her, he apologised in person and said she told him "not to worry".

Nick Davis, defending, said: "While his behaviour was unacceptable, he has abided by bail conditions and he has not sought to contact either of these two women."