'Leave her alone': Indian man faces deportation for harassing UK zoo colleague for 6 months; didn’t stop even after restraining order

A 26-year-old Indian man is facing deportation from the UK after repeatedly stalking a female colleague at London Zoo.

Asish Jose Paul, originally from Kerala, ignored multiple police warnings, court bail conditions, and even a restraining order before being sent back, the Daily Mail reported.


Paul bombarded former co-worker Lutaruta Masiulonyte with text messages, flowers and chocolates over six months between July and December last year, despite her making it clear she was uncomfortable.

Paul was first arrested and released on bail with instructions to stay away from the zoo. He even proposed to Lutaruta, Southwark Crown Court heard. The very next day, he returned to speak to Masiulonyte.

After more arrests, Paul was given new bail conditions banning him from Westminster and from going within 50 metres of London Zoo. Still, he kept showing up, telling Royal Park staff he was "in love" with her.

Paul had used three SIM cards and a friend’s phone to keep contacting the victim, and that his mother had also tried to reach her.

Judge Jas Jandu imposed a six-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months, 20 days of rehabilitation activity, and a ten-year restraining order. He also warned Paul that he met the criteria for deportation once his visa expires in September 2025.

'Leave her alone,' says Judge to Paul

“You have to leave her alone, Mr Paul, do you understand? Or it could be up to five years in prison,” the judge told him.

In a victim impact statement, Masiulonyte said the ordeal had left her emotionally drained and constantly anxious. “The harassment was going on for so long it drained me. I feel scared and anxious being in London. My friends and family are worried for me and for my safety. I lost my independence through the harassment. I have to rely on someone to be with me to feel safe,” she said.

Judge Jandu said Paul obtained Masiulonyte’s number “by means unknown to her” and approached her at work to ask why she was not replying to his messages. “She made it clear that she was uncomfortable and blocked your number,” he said. “A polite smile is not an invitation to anything further. It went from small talk to a declaration of love to a proposal.”

The court heard Paul had studied business administration in India before completing a master’s in accounting and finance at Anglia Ruskin University in 2023. His defence barrister, Georgina Lane, said he had reduced responsibility due to a mental disorder and learning disabilities, and that he had “learned his lesson” after time spent in custody.

Paul had met the victim while working at the zoo café. Even after being dismissed from his job, he continued trying to contact her, including approaching her colleagues for information. Masiulonyte eventually had to change her work location.

The judge concluded that unless Paul is granted a new visa, he is liable to be deported to India.

Last month, Jaydeep Patel, another Indian-origin man living in Phoenix, US, was arrested on suspicion of child sexual abuse and was charged with nine counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, according to court documents.

Patel used to work at Phoenix Children's Hospital as a behavioral health technician but at the time of his arrest, he was no longer employed by the hospital.