Stalker of Liverpool Footballer Marie Höbinger Handed Restraining Order and Community Sentence
A man who engaged in a campaign of stalking against Liverpool Women's midfielder Marie Höbinger has been sentenced to an 18-month community order and issued with a two-year restraining order by Westminster Magistrates' Court. The case has highlighted serious concerns about the treatment of female athletes in the public eye.
Distressing Sexualised Messages Sent to Austrian International
The court heard that Mangal Dalal, a 42-year-old father of two from Marylebone, London, sent the Austria international footballer explicit sexual messages via Instagram. His communications included telling Höbinger he wanted to have children with her and sending her photographs of underwear.
Dalal had previously pleaded guilty to stalking charges at Liverpool Magistrates' Court in December. In addition to the community order and restraining order, he was ordered to pay £650 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
Significant Impact on Höbinger's Wellbeing and Performance
In a powerful victim impact statement read to the court, Höbinger described how the stalking had profoundly affected both her personal life and professional performance. She revealed that the experience had caused sleep disturbances and created constant anxiety when alone at home.
"This incident has meant I now struggle to sleep," Höbinger stated. "I live on my own, and being on my own at home I become anxious and scared – any noise I fear [he] may have found out where I lived."
The stress reportedly triggered a flare-up of a pre-existing skin condition and made her reluctant to interact with fans at matches, significantly impacting her experience as a professional footballer.
Court Hears of Defendant's Mental Health Issues
The court was informed that Dalal had travelled to a Liverpool fixture in Manchester in February, where he was spotted near the pitch after the game. During police interviews, he admitted this behaviour but cited mental health difficulties as a contributing factor.
Defence lawyer Daniel Lister told the court that Dalal was "of previous good character" but had been experiencing a psychotic episode during the period when he contacted Höbinger. Lister described instances where Dalal had been seen barefoot and preaching sermons in the street, indicating significant mental health challenges.
Judge Condemns "Distressing" Behaviour
District Judge Hina Rai, while sentencing Dalal, emphasised the serious nature of the offences. "The nature and tone of the highly sexualised content was distressing and caused her to be fearful of her surroundings and affected her daily life," Judge Rai stated.
Höbinger used her statement to make a broader point about the treatment of women in football and society generally. "Although I am in the public eye I do not feel it is acceptable to receive sexually explicit messages," she said. "I do not feel that it is acceptable that women's football is sexualised and disrespected. No woman, no matter what her job, should have to put up with this kind of behaviour."
The case has drawn attention to the particular vulnerabilities faced by female athletes and the need for stronger protections against harassment in sports. The restraining order prohibits Dalal from any contact with Höbinger or attending any events where she might be present for the next two years.
