A man from the UK who pursued a US travel influencer to Bali and later made threats to abduct her while experiencing delusional beliefs has been given a hospital order. Rob Keating, aged 40, inundated US photographer and former attorney Alexandra Saper with emails and videos that escalated in intensity and turned sexually aggressive and offensive, according to court testimony.
Keating was found guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court of two counts of stalking that caused the victim to fear violence. Psychiatrist Daron Aslanyan stated that Keating had a delusional disorder with grandiose fantasies of altering the world, which influenced his behavior.
The judge, Michael Bowes KC, emphasized the necessity of a hospital order with restrictions for Keating to undergo mental health treatment due to his refusal to acknowledge his condition. The judge’s primary concern was safeguarding the public, especially Alexandra Saper, from future harm.
The prosecutor, Alexandra Bull, revealed that Keating began following Ms. Saper’s Instagram account in June 2022, escalating to sending disturbing messages after being blocked. Keating vowed to do anything, even resorting to kidnapping, to be with the victim. He went as far as purchasing a ticket to Bali and sending threatening messages, causing Ms. Saper to fear for her safety and seek refuge with friends.
Despite being detained upon his return to Gatwick airport, Keating persisted in contacting Ms. Saper and was rearrested after sending her threatening messages. Ms. Saper shared in court how the ordeal forced her to flee her home and Bali, leading to severe mental health repercussions and disrupting her life and business.
Ms. Saper, who empowers women to travel solo through her social media, lamented the impact of the stalking on her well-being and professional life. She recounted feeling isolated and traumatized by Keating’s relentless pursuit and threats, which shattered her sense of security and purpose.
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