A disreputable postman who harassed four ladies during his deliveries has evaded incarceration. Irfan William distributed letters around Glasgow’s southside, where he exploited the opportunity to annoy his victims with unwelcome overtures.
Irfan William, 49, was reported to the Royal Mail on two occasions; however, police were only notified after he assaulted a woman. William admitted guilt at Glasgow Sheriff Court to three counts of stalking and one count of sexual assault.
Irfan William was tagged for a duration of five months and confined indoors from 7 PM to 7 AM. A non-harassment order was issued against the victims for a duration of three years, and William continues to be listed on the sex offender registry.
The sheriff told him: “As far as these matters are concerned, I can advise you that if you appeared before me with a conviction, I would have had no hesitation sending you to prison.”
Creepy Irfan William would also go to a cafe in Glasgow’s Govanhill where this victim often spent time. Prosecutor Jeremy O’Neill said: “He would buy coffee, sit at the table and stare at her.”
The woman eventually stopped going there believing Irfan William’s behaviour was “predatory”. Mr O’Neill went on: “She said that Irfan William’s actions were definitely a contributing factor in deciding to move house as that is how much he scared her.”
The court heard how Irfan William pounced on another woman at her home in the city’s Battlefield after asking could he come in for a cigarette. He said he had also brought lunch – the victim allowed him in.
After showing that he had brought her pizza and juice, Irfan William claimed that he “did not know if he was imposing.” William then asked personal questions about her sex life and if she was married. He told her: “You are my distraction.”
Irfan William made remarks about the woman’s appearance before grabbing her around the stomach and rubbing her arm. Fiscal Mr O’Neill said: “She felt frozen with fear…she walked towards the front door.
“Irfan Williamgrabbed her shoulders from behind but she continued to walk and broke free from him. He opened his arms and embraced the woman with a hug. He put his hand on her face and forcefully kissed her cheek.”
A third woman was probed about her relationships. The postie, of Newton Mearns, Renfrewshire, would also insist on chapping the door claiming it was “difficult to push letters through”.
This spooked victim had to pretend she had a husband – she even got an ex-partner to answer one time to avoid Irfan William. The court heard of the other victim who Irfan William spoke to about literature stating to her: “You are always buying books.”
Calling the woman by her name, he also asked her about her husband. Mr O’Neill said: “He told her that he would bring round books and coffee and discuss literature but the woman asked him not to do so.”
Two of the women contacted Royal Mail after what happened to them. However, Irfan William was only arrested after the final incident when he kissed that victim.
Douglas McAllister, defending, told the court that the dad-of-two lost his latest job at Amazon following his conviction. The lawyer added: “He fully accepts the distress and discomfort that his behaviour caused to those involved.
“He has also expressed sincere regret towards his actions on the vulnerable young woman.”
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