A Swedish national facing a trial on stalking charges interrupted court proceedings today by shouting that he “cannot stay” behind bars.
Jihad Abousalah, 46, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for a case management hearing after he was charged with stalking involving serious alarm and distress.
The crown alleges that between March and August this year, Mr Abousalah asked shops to contact a woman on his behalf after he had sent her gifts.
The charge also alleges that Mr Abousalah attended the woman's home address, which amounted to stalking, causing the victim serious alarm or distress.
Jihad Abousalah appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ CourtPAMr Abousalah had pleaded not guilty to the allegation earlier this week and was remanded in custody ahead of a trial before the magistrate.
Appearing in a grey custody tracksuit, the Swedish businessman appeared agitated in the dock.
Before he was led from the dock after the brief appearance in court, Mr Abousalah shouted at the judge: “I am not a prison man, I am a family man.”
Speaking regularly with his solicitor via an Arabic interpreter, he suddenly turned to the judge and said: “I am sick. I can’t stay in the prison. I can’t stay with criminal people.
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“You have to look after my health. I cannot stay. I have a home address. I have a Swedish country and a British country.
“I am not allowed to go to prison.”
District Judge Daniel Sternberg urged Mr Abousalah to remain silent during his outburst.
Mr Abousalah refused to leave the dock, shouting “I am Swedish, not British.”
He added: “This is not fair,” and indicated that he would not leave before a decision was made to grant him bail.
Custody staff eventually entered the dock and led him away.