Kamaljit Sidhu Died After Jumping Off M6 Motorway
An Oldbury man is starting a two year sentence after admitting stalking a former girlfriend, who ultimately ended her own life following his unwarranted attention.
Ryan Dey was arrested in November last year, a month after the death of Kamaljit Sidhu [pictured right]. Dey was accused of harassing and stalking his former partner for several months before the 29-year-old jumped from a bridge over the M6 motorway near to Great Barr.
Dey [pictured below], aged 23, was later charged with the offence of stalking, which he admitted during an appearance before Birmingham Crown Court on 21 March.
The court heard how Dey, a lorry driver from Hollyoak Close, Oldbury, had been seeing Kamaljit for around 18 months when she tried to end the relationship, in October 2013. Dey refused to accept her decision and made threats towards her, contacted her friends and searched various locations in Birmingham trying to find her.
Kamaljit went on to make comments on social media stating she was scared of Ryan before taking her own life on October 25.
Detective Chief Inspector Kim Madill, from West Midlands Police Public Protection Unit, said: “This has been a difficult, challenging and deeply upsetting case to investigate for all concerned.
“The investigation team has worked tirelessly to try and find some justice for Kamaljit and her family, following her tragic and untimely death.
“One can only imagine the fear and torment that Dey must have put her through to take such a course of action. Even though this conviction cannot bring Kamaljit back, hopefully the fact that Dey has admitted his crimes and is now facing a spell in prison will come as some comfort to her grieving family.
“To bring such a case to court, without a victim to give evidence, is both unusual and challenging and so it is pleasing to see that a successful prosecution can bring some sense of justice to the Sidhu family and our thoughts continue to be with them at this difficult time.”
Speaking after today’s hearing, Kamaljit’s mother Sarbjit Sidhu, released the following statement, “The police asked is there anything we can do, Mrs Sidhu, and my only answer to them was can you please give me my daughter back, we really miss her, her death has left a big hole in our lives.
“Does Ryan Dey really realise the damage he has inflicted on my beloved Kam, me and my family? We will never forget our baby Kam, I was unable to see her for the last time when she was put to rest and that has been difficult to deal with.
“Ryan Dey is evil, he is a bully and a coward and had put my daughter through hell with his control and abuse and will never be forgiven for what he has caused.
“As a mother and a family we want the world to know this can never be allowed to happen again, I do not want anyone else to go through what we have. Our lives have stopped and we can’t breathe.
“The investigation team and CPS have been great in bringing Ryan Dey to justice, but in our minds no sentence today would have been long enough. The police and legal system need to be trained and understand more deeply how to deal with similar situations. My Kam suffered in silence and no one else should do the same, if only she knew about the work of the National Stalking Helpline.
“So I ask that you think about Kam, our family and get that help – remember LIVE LIFE SAFE.
Kam will be missed but never forgotten.”
Martin Lindop, Sector Crown Prosecutor from West Midlands Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) added: “Ryan Dey’s stalking of Ms Sidhu, which included the use of social media, had a substantial effect on her day to day life. In those final days the defendant’s actions caused her to be in fear of a man she had once trusted and loved which ultimately resulted in Ms Sidhu ending her own life.
“The CPS takes reports of stalking and harassment very seriously, whether they are alleged to have taken place online, on the phone, in person or any other way. If there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for an offence of this nature, and it is in the public interest, we will mount a robust prosecution.
“Our thoughts are today with the family and friends of Ms Sidhu.”
