Kerala man facing deportation after stalking London Zoo colleague

A 26-year-old Indian national, Asish Jose Paul, faces deportation after a six-month campaign of stalking and harassment against a female colleague at London Zoo. A UK court imposed a suspended jail term and a ten-year restraining order; his visa expires 13 September 2025.

Police say Paul ignored repeated warnings, bail terms, and a court order between July and December 2024. He sent messages, flowers, and chocolates, proposed marriage, and turned up uninvited at the zoo. Officers arrested him three times. A judge warned he risks prison if he offends again within a year.

Court decision and why it matters

• The court imposed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months — any reoffending during that period will send him to jail.
• It ordered 20 days of rehabilitation activity and a ten-year restraining order to protect the victim.
• The judge warned that further breaches could lead to a sentence of up to five years.
• With his visa ending on 13 September 2025, he now meets the criteria for deportation unless he secures a new grant of leave.

The court placed the victim’s welfare first, citing persistent harassment and repeated defiance of legal orders.

What happened (timeline and behaviour)

• Period of offences: July–December 2024 (stalking and harassment at London Zoo).
• Actions by Paul: repeated messages, gifts (flowers and chocolates), uninvited appearances, marriage proposals.
• Police response: three arrests; bail conditions and a restraining order imposed but repeatedly breached.
• Court reaction: suspended sentence, rehabilitation requirement, and long-term restraining order.

What police and lawyers said in court

Prosecutors presented a clear timeline showing arrests, bail bans from the zoo, and rapid violations — including Paul returning to the zoo the day after release. The pattern continued even after the restraining order.

Defense counsel argued:
– Paul has a mental disorder and learning disabilities, which reduced responsibility.
– Time in custody had taught him a lesson.

The judge acknowledged the medical claims but emphasized the risk to the victim and the need to uphold court orders.

Immigration status and consequences

• Current status: liable for removal after 13 September 2025 unless granted a new visa.
• Restraining order: remains in force for 10 years.
• Suspended sentence: active for 12 months — any breach could trigger prison time.

UK immigration context (2025)

• The UK tightened immigration rules in 2025: higher salary and skills thresholds for work visas and most routes now require 10 years for settlement instead of 5.
• Authorities aim to lower net migration and prioritise higher-paid roles.
• Compliance with visa rules and criminal law now weighs more heavily; repeated breaches of bail and court orders can push cases toward removal.
• Enforcement teams now scrutinise criminal behaviour more closely when assessing visas or extensions — policies strengthened from 22 July 2025 and applied with fewer exceptions.

Practical impact: individuals and employers

• For Paul:
  • Without a new visa, he is likely to be removed to India once his current leave ends.
  • Any future visa application must disclose arrests, convictions, and restraining orders — non-disclosure risks refusal.
• For the victim:
  • She continues to manage fear, anxiety, and exhaustion; she moved work locations and relied on colleagues for safety.
  • The restraining order is intended to prevent contact and protect her daily life and work.
• For London Zoo and employers:
  • Employers must act when staff report stalking. Recommended steps include:
  • Quick reporting to police
  • Sharing CCTV and incident logs
  • Tightening site access
  • Providing security escorts
  • Supporting affected workers

Practical next steps

1. For Paul:
   • Disclose all arrests, convictions, and orders in any visa application.
   • Seek legal advice from a solicitor experienced in both criminal and immigration law.
2. For the victim:
   • Keep records of any contact attempts and a log of incidents.
   • Notify police immediately if contact occurs and work with workplace security.
3. For London Zoo:
   • Maintain detailed incident logs and contact bans.
   • Provide safety escorts and coordinate with the Metropolitan Police on sightings.

If the restraining order is breached, police can arrest under the order immediately.

Mental health and immigration decisions

• Courts can consider mental health when sentencing, potentially reducing custodial sentences.
• Immigration officials prioritise public safety and compliance. Mental health claims may mitigate sentencing but do not erase immigration risk.
• Rehabilitation activity (the 20 days ordered here) can aid recovery but does not remove the legal or immigration consequences of prior offences.

What might happen after September 2025

• If no new visa is granted, Immigration Enforcement can open removal action after the visa expires.
• If Paul reoffends before that date, prison time could follow and deportation action may accelerate.
• The restraining order remains enforceable while he is in the UK, regardless of immigration status.

Background on Paul’s time in the UK

• Paul studied business administration in India.
• He completed a master’s in accounting and finance at Anglia Ruskin University in 2023.
• His studies and subsequent work allowed him to hold a visa, but the sequence of arrests, court orders, and breaches now jeopardises his future in the UK.

Key dates and facts at a glance

Quotes that capture the stakes

Judge (summary): “Stalking causes fear and distress; court orders must be obeyed; further violations could mean up to five years in prison.”

Defence (summary): “Mental health and learning disabilities reduce responsibility; time in custody changed his behaviour.”

Wider policy implications

• The case illustrates how criminal conduct can end a person’s time in the UK and shows the effect of the 2025 immigration reforms.
• Reforms raise pay and skill thresholds and make criminal records a heavier factor in visa decisions.
• Community groups and universities warn about the human impact, particularly where mental health is involved, but current policy emphasises public safety and enforcement.

Actionable takeaways

• If you’re on a visa and face criminal charges, get legal advice fast.
• If you hold a restraining order, carry a copy, report breaches immediately, and keep a log.
• Employers should establish clear reporting routes, provide security escorts, and liaise with police quickly when staff safety is at risk.

Official resources

For authoritative guidance on deportation and criminality, consult the Home Office and GOV.UK pages on Immigration Enforcement and criminal conduct. These explain eligibility, processes, and contact details for advice on how criminal records affect immigration decisions and removal.

This case involving Asish Jose Paul and London Zoo shows how persistent harassment can lead to criminal penalties and deportation. The core message to visa holders: obey court orders, respect bail conditions, and seek help early for mental health or relationship issues — ignoring warnings can be life-changing.