Millionaire stalker avoids jail after 'sending photos of his underwear' to football player

The investment worker from Marylebone in West London received an 18-month community order and a two-year restraining order after admitting the offence at Liverpool Magistrates' Court in December.

District Judge Hina Rai ordered him to pay £650 in costs alongside a £114 victim surcharge, bringing his total financial penalty to £764.

The court heard how the 24-year-old Austrian player experienced significant distress following Dalal's unwanted contact, which forced her to alter her daily routine and left her feeling anxious in her own home.

Dalal must also complete 25 days of rehabilitation as part of his sentence.

Between January 27 and February 16, 2024, Dalal bombarded the midfielder with inappropriate messages containing images of his underwear and declarations that he wished to have children with her.

Prosecutor David Burns told the court that Dalal expressed a desire to remove her shorts and sent her his mobile number and postcode, inviting her to visit him.

The messages also included details of Hobinger's own address, heightening concerns for her safety.

Liverpool FC assigned a safety officer to accompany the player to fixtures after she reported the contact to the club.

Dalal subsequently travelled from London to Manchester to attend Liverpool Women's Super League fixture against Manchester City at the Joie Stadium in February 2024, where a steward identified him near the pitch as the match concluded.

In her victim impact statement, Hobinger described how the ordeal disrupted her sleep and left her fearful within her own residence, where she lives alone.

She said: "Any noise I fear the male may have found out where I lived. When it is dark I found myself looking over my shoulder."

The midfielder explained that her home, which should feel like a sanctuary, instead became a source of unease.

Her professional life also suffered, with Hobinger acknowledging the stalking "affected my performance on the pitch" and left her feeling insecure when supporters approached for photographs.

She said: "I love match days and this is a time when I should feel focused and strong."

The stress triggered a flare-up of a pre-existing skin condition, the court heard.

Hobinger used her statement to condemn the broader treatment of women in football.

She said: "I do not feel that it is acceptable women's football is sexualised and disrespected.

"No woman, no matter what her job, should have to put up with this kind of behaviour."

Defence barrister Daniel Lister explained that his client, a father of two with no previous convictions, had been experiencing a manic episode with psychotic features linked to his bipolar disorder during the offending period.

The court heard Dalal had been observed walking barefoot through London streets, delivering sermons to passersby, prompting his former wife to seek medical intervention.

Judge Rai acknowledged the conduct was serious despite occurring through social media, noting Dalal's previous good character and the medical evidence presented.

The restraining order prohibits Dalal from visiting Liverpool's training ground at Melwood or attending matches at St Helens or Anfield.

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