Stalker of Liverpool Footballer Marie Höbinger Handed Restraining Order and Community Sentence
A man who persistently stalked Liverpool midfielder Marie Höbinger has been given a two-year restraining order and an 18-month community order after sending her sexualised messages on social media.
Distressing Messages and Impact on Player
Westminster Magistrates Court heard that Mangal Dalal, 42, from Marylebone in London, sent the Austria international sex messages via Instagram, including telling her he wanted to have children with her and sending pictures of underwear. The court was told this behaviour made Höbinger feel "anxious and scared" in her own home, leading her to avoid interacting with fans at matches and causing a flare-up of a skin condition due to stress.
In a victim impact statement, Höbinger said the stalking had affected her performance on the pitch and her ability to sleep, stating she feared Dalal might discover where she lived. She emphasised: "No woman, no matter what her job, should have to put up with this kind of behaviour."
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Dalal had pleaded guilty to stalking at Liverpool Magistrates Court in December. On Tuesday, District Judge Hina Rai sentenced him, noting the highly sexualised content was distressing and caused Höbinger to fear her surroundings, impacting her daily life. Dalal was also ordered to pay £650 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
The court heard that Dalal travelled to a Liverpool fixture in Manchester last February and was spotted near the pitch after the game. In a police interview, he admitted this but claimed he had been mentally unwell at the time. His defence lawyer, Daniel Lister, said Dalal was of previous good character but was experiencing a psychotic episode when contacting Höbinger, citing instances of him being seen barefoot and preaching in the street.
Broader Implications for Women's Football
Höbinger's statement highlighted concerns about the sexualisation and disrespect faced by women in football, underscoring that such behaviour is unacceptable regardless of a person's profession. This case raises awareness about the challenges female athletes can encounter off the pitch, affecting their mental health and career performance.
The restraining order aims to protect Höbinger from further contact, while the community order addresses Dalal's rehabilitation. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of legal measures to combat stalking and support victims in sports and beyond.
