Man Jailed for Stalking 13-Year-Old Girl at Bus Stop
A 43-year-old man has been locked up for nine months after stalking a 13-year-old girl at a bus stop in Enfield. Bahram Hekmat, from Albermarle Avenue, was found guilty at Wood Green Crown Court of causing serious alarm and distress.
Disturbing Bus Stop Incident
The shocking stalking happened on Saturday, 24 September 2016. The victim was waiting at a Ponders End High Road bus stop when Hekmat pulled up in his car. He blew kisses and made creepy sexual gestures, beckoning the girl to get in. Terrified, she boarded a northbound 279 bus.
Hekmat followed her in his car and parked where she got off at Hertford Road/Green Street. He kept blowing kisses and threatened to keep stalking her if she didn’t respond to his advances. When a passerby noticed and the girl called out, Hekmat sped off.
Police Hunt and Capture
- The victim’s mother alerted the police.
- Transport cops reviewed bus CCTV and traced Hekmat via his car registration.
- He was arrested at his home in December 2016.
- Hekmat pleaded not guilty, but the evidence spoke for itself.
Legal First: Stalking in Under 15 Minutes
This case is believed to be the first where a stalking conviction was secured from an incident lasting under 15 minutes, rather than repeated offences over time. The court ruled that Hekmat’s behaviour was still stalking, setting a legal precedent.
Strong Words from Police and TfL
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence committed – a disgusting act of public indecency which has left a young girl shaken and very upset,” said Detective Constable Darren Barlow of the Roads and Transport Policing Command.
“If you commit an offence on London’s transport network, we will pursue and arrest you. I urge anyone who experiences unwanted sexual attention to report it to police.”
Siwan Hayward, Transport for London’s Head of Transport Policing, added: “Everyone has the right to travel without fear or intimidation. This case sends a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated, and offenders will be caught and brought to justice.”
Along with jail time, Hekmat received a 12-month supervision order and an indefinite restraining order near the scene of the crime.
