Post by : Rameen Ariff

A 56-year-old UK chess master, Paul Keevil, has been sentenced to 28 months in prison for stalking, harassing, and blackmailing a woman in her 20s. Keevil, who had a brief sexual relationship with the victim, turned to threats and defamation when she refused to rekindle their relationship in 2021.

Court reports reveal Keevil first met the university student in 2018 via Seeking Arrangements. After their short relationship, he continued sending her money. When she started a new relationship and became pregnant, Keevil tried to blackmail her by calling her a sex worker, sending false messages to her family, university, and employer, and even contacting the hospital maternity ward pretending to be the baby’s father.

Prosecutor Tom Farr said, “From 2019, they remained in contact, and the defendant occasionally gave her money at her request. After she refused further contact in 2021, Keevil launched a sustained campaign of harassment, stalking, and blackmail.”

The victim shared that she felt suicidal and unsafe, saying, “He genuinely believes I am his girlfriend no matter how many times I say ‘No’. I fear for my safety and for my baby’s safety.” The relentless harassment even caused her partner to leave her, leaving her in constant fear.

At Bolton Crown Court, Judge Mr Recorder Jeremy Lasker stated Keevil subjected the woman to a “sustained course of conduct” aimed at pressuring her to resume an intimate relationship and demanding repayment of previous gifts. He emphasized that the victim had been driven to consider suicide due to Keevil’s obsessive behavior.

Keevil pleaded guilty to stalking, sexual assault, and blackmail and has been placed on the Sex Offender Register for 10 years.

This case highlights the severe consequences of stalking, harassment, and blackmail, especially when used to manipulate or threaten others.

#Global