Ameer Tahir, 42, from Kings Road in Brighton, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for stalking almost 60 women with hundreds of threatening and malicious phone calls. Tahir, who initially faced 13 counts of stalking, was found to have accessed the contact details of many victims through mutual acquaintances and his job in the hospitality industry.
Despite calling his victims on a withheld number, police were able to trace Tahir and arrest him at his home. Following a subsequent search of his property, a second mobile phone was found, which revealed that he had continued to target victims while on police bail and that the number of victims was far greater than first believed.
Tahir was further arrested and charged with 12 counts of stalking, two counts of sending communication conveying indecent/offensive messages, one count of racially aggravated stalking, failure to comply with the sex offenders’ register, and possession of a Class B drug. He pleaded guilty to all charges.
Investigations revealed 44 additional stalking victims, which Tahir admitted to being taken into consideration upon sentencing. At Lewes Crown Court, Tahir was sentenced to 13 years, including nine years in custody and a further four on extended licence.
The judge noted that consideration would also be given to a restraining order and Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Tahir’s actions were described as a ‘campaign of terrorising women’ that had profound, long-lasting effects on his victims. The judge said that Tahir had caused his victims significant psychological harm.
Investigator Lucia Calandriello praised the bravery of the victims and thanked them for their support throughout the proceedings. She also emphasized that stalking, harassment, and any form of violence against women and girls will not be tolerated in Sussex.
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner, and National Stalking Awareness Lead for the Association of Police & Crime Commissioners, Katy Bourne, praised the investigative work of Sussex Police and the courage of the victims. She said that Tahir’s crimes put his victims through psychological torment and that today’s verdict sends a strong message that stalking will not be tolerated in Sussex.
