A 20-year-old man has been jailed after police uncovered more than 100 disturbing videos on his phone showing women being followed, filmed without their consent, and harassed across north-west London.
Shekhem Manning-Egeonwon, of Sturgess Avenue, Hendon, was sentenced to 32 months in prison at Harrow Crown Court after being convicted of stalking and harassment. In a bizarre twist, Manning-Egeonwon reportedly attempted to use DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) takedown notices to have videos of his stalking behavior removed from social media and news sites, claiming copyright infringement over the footage.
“Menacing and Highly Intrusive” Behaviour
The Metropolitan Police described Manning-Egeonwon’s behavior as “menacing and highly intrusive”, revealing that many of the videos were taken as he followed women through streets, filmed them through windows, or even knocked on their doors to record them.
Detective Constable Jas Brar, who led the investigation, said: “His actions caused extreme distress to the women he targeted. It is completely unacceptable that anyone should feel unsafe leaving their home or fear being watched and followed. This type of harassment has a devastating impact on victims’ mental health and sense of security.”
Victims Speak Out as Investigation Unfolds
The investigation began in September 2023 when a woman in her 30s reported that Manning-Egeonwon had followed her while she was taking her child to school. She later identified him to police, leading to his arrest.
As officers detained him, a second woman in her 40s approached them, revealing that she, too, had been followed by Manning-Egeonwon. A subsequent search of his phone revealed over 100 videos documenting his stalking activities, showing both victims and numerous other unidentified women being followed during both daytime and nighttime.
Shocking Courtroom Revelations
Initially pleading not guilty, Manning-Egeonwon changed his plea mid-trial on January 12 after damning evidence from his mobile phone was presented in court. Footage showed him following women at length, sometimes across multiple streets, often without their knowledge.
The court also heard how Manning-Egeonwon attempted to use DMCA takedown requests in a failed bid to remove online content reporting on his stalking, highlighting his attempts to cover up his disturbing behavior.
Sentencing and Restraining Order
During sentencing on Friday, the judge described Manning-Egeonwon’s actions as “a deliberate and calculated campaign of harassment”. In addition to his 32-month prison sentence, the court issued a restraining order, prohibiting him from contacting any of the victims or entering specific areas in north-west London where the stalking took place.
Police Urge Vigilance and Support for Victims
The Metropolitan Police has urged anyone who feels they may have been targeted by Manning-Egeonwon or who notices suspicious behavior in their area to report it immediately.
“Stalking is a serious crime that causes significant harm to victims. We encourage anyone who feels they are being followed or harassed to contact the police. Your safety is our priority,” said DC Brar.
If you or someone you know is a victim of stalking or harassment, support is available through organizations such as the National Stalking Helpline at 0808 802 0300.
