Crawley death crash driver acquitted of intending to cause harassment after Facebook rant

A man found guilty of causing the death of his girlfriend by dangerous driving has avoided further punishment after posting court documents on Facebook in an online rant.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Sep 2015, 16:49 BST

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Minesh ParbatMinesh Parbat
Minesh Parbat

Minesh Parbat, 36, of Gregory Close, Crawley, was jailed in August after the death of his girlfriend Lisa Watling following a crash on the A2011 Crawley Avenue in 2014.

He was acquitted by magistrates of intending to cause harassment, alarm or distress to Ms Watling’s brother David Watling when he posted the documents online alongside a diatribe against the justice system.

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Speaking at Chichester Magistrates’ Court today (September 11), Parbat said: “It wasn’t meant for him to read it. It wasn’t for him. It was for me. I’m the one who has been found guilty of something I didn’t do.”

Parbat claimed he was ‘getting the truth’ out by posting the court documents which contained medical information on his girlfriend.

He said: “Maybe it was a bit rash to do that, but at the end of the day I was angry.”

The Facebook post was spotted on July 20 and was brought to Mr Watling’s attention. It was reported to Sussex Police.

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Parbat said:“I really do feel for him but it’s nothing to do with him. Obviously, they’re angry about me and being involved so of course they’re going to feel that maybe it’s aimed at them but it’s nothing to do with them.”

Chairman of the magistrates Chris Whitmore Jones said: “What’s not in dispute is that you posted various documents pertinent to your trial on Facebook.

“We believe that you realised it was likely that Mr Watling would receive information or have read the Facebook post.

“However, we’re not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the crown have proved this was targeted at David Watling with the intent of causing him harassment, alarm and distress. We find you not guilty.”

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A restraining order was placed on Parbat, preventing him contacting several people directly or indirectly by any means in relation to the case.

Parbat is serving a seven-year jail term after the trial at Lewes Crown Court. A jury heard he was over the drink-drive limit when the crash happened.

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