A London Zoo stalker who sent flowers and chocolates to a female colleague he fancied is now facing jail.
Asish Jose Paul, 26, made a beeline twice to Lutaruta Masiulonyte’s workplace despite a warning to stay away.
A court heard the accountancy student did the stalking between July 7 2024 and December 30.
Following his arrest, Jose Paul, originally from Kerala in India, was given police bail and warned not to go back to the zoo.
But he returned the very next day to try and speak with his love interest.
Jose Paul was again bailed with a condition not to go within 50 metres of London Zoo.
But he went back again explaining to Royal Park attendants that he was ‘in love’ with his former colleague.
Jose Paul finally admitted stalking involving serious alarm or distress at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
Asish Jose Paul (pictured), 26, made a beeline twice to Lutaruta Masiulonyte’s workplace despite a warning to stay away
Following his arrest, Jose Paul, originally from Kerala in India , was given police bail and warned not to go back to the zoo
He studied for a masters in accounting and finance at Anglia Ruskin University between 2022 and 2023.
Prosecutor David Burns said: ‘This is a matter involving stalking. At the time they were both employed by London Zoo.
‘He pleaded not guilty on the first occasion, and he maintained that plea until the day of the trial. He changed his plea on that day.
‘He became very interested in her. He started texting her. She couldn’t understand how he got hold of her number.
‘She said she didn’t respond to the messages. He asked her why she hadn’t responded. She said she was not interested and could she please be left alone. The messages continued.
‘She goes on to state that he began to follow her around the work place. She states that he became more and more persistent. He attempted to engage in conversation with her.
‘She goes on to say that his behaviour made her feel scared and upset. She said he doesn’t accept any boundaries, and refuses to listen to her desire to be left alone.’
In a victim impact statement Ms Masiulonyte said: ‘This incident has taken a toll on me emotionally and psychologically. The harassment was going on for so long it drained me. I feel scared and anxious being in London.
Jose Paul went back to the zoo explaining to Royal Park attendants that he was ‘in love’ with his former colleague
‘My friends and family are worried for me and for my safety.
‘I feel anxious all the time. I feel frustrated. I repeated myself so many times I started to question whether I was the problem.
‘I lost my independence through the harassment. I have to rely on someone to be with me to feel safe.’
Mr Burns said: ‘He has shown no remorse for what he has done wrong.’
Adrian Lee, defending, said: ‘It is classic stalking, but no insults or inappropriate remarks are made in any of the text messages.
‘He was doing a Masters Degree at Anglia Ruskin which is now finished. I gather that it is a Masters in accounting and finance.
‘This was essentially a job that he was doing at the weekend, or a couple of days a week if he was free.
‘He does accept his guilt on this.
‘He is someone with a future and prospects ahead of him.
‘He is here on a graduate visa. After he has graduated he is allowed to stay for a period of time. That expires in August.
‘At the moment he is not in employment. He has been relying on family in India for financial support.’
Judge Nina Tempia told Jose Paul she did not have sufficient sentencing powers, saying: ‘I’m afraid I can’t deal with this case and I’m going to send it to the Crown Court for sentence.’
She added he would be sentenced within the next few weeks at Southwark Crown Court.
Jose Paul, of Felixstowe Court, Docklands, admitted stalking involving serious alarm or distress.
