A prominent Harley Street doctor has been sentenced to 18 months behind bars after orchestrating a vicious campaign of harassment against his former girlfriend, which included posting explicit photographs of her online without consent.
The Malicious Campaign Unveiled
Dr. Shafi Karim, 38, turned to digital harassment after his relationship ended, embarking on what prosecutors described as a "systematic and cruel" campaign against his ex-partner. The respected medical professional used his technical knowledge to create fake social media profiles and websites to distribute private, intimate images of the woman.
A Pattern of Digital Abuse
The court heard how Karim's campaign included:
- Creating multiple fake social media accounts to harass his victim
- Establishing websites specifically to host intimate photographs
- Sending threatening messages to the woman and her family
- Attempting to damage her professional reputation
Legal Consequences and Sentencing
At Southwark Crown Court, Judge David Tomlinson delivered a stern message about the seriousness of such offences, stating that Karim had abused his position of trust and caused significant psychological harm to his victim.
The 18-month prison sentence reflects the growing judicial recognition of the severe impact that revenge porn and cyberstalking can have on victims' lives.
Victim Impact Statement
The court heard a powerful victim impact statement describing how the woman suffered from anxiety, depression, and felt her personal and professional life had been "shattered" by Karim's actions. She described feeling constantly watched and fearing for her safety.
Broader Implications for Professional Conduct
This case highlights the serious consequences professionals face when engaging in such criminal behaviour. Karim's medical career now hangs in the balance, with the General Medical Council expected to review his fitness to practise following his criminal conviction.
The sentencing serves as a stark warning that revenge porn and cyberstalking are treated as serious criminal offences in the UK, regardless of the perpetrator's professional status.
