Driving instructor convicted of stalking student

A driving instructor who became besotted with his teenage student has been convicted of stalking her.

Graham Mansie, 52, from Bromley, became obsessed with the 17-year-old between July and October 2021 as he taught her how to drive.

Mansie asked the teenager out for drinks, told her she was his “favourite” and created a TikTok account dedicated to her.

He also gave another student a gift bag to pass on to her. This contained £65 in restaurant vouchers, a key ring with eight personalised charms and a card where he described the victim as “kind” and “amazing”.

The victim became concerned and told her mother.

The victim’s mother contacted Mansie about his inappropriate behaviour and told him that he could no longer teach her daughter. Mansie replied asking: “Is it because I love her?”

When the victim blocked Mansie on all social media and stopped learning how to drive with him, he was spotted on her road before quickly making off.

In September 2021 the victim moved out of London to York to attend university.

Mansie created a fake Instagram account as a student and befriended her and her flatmates.

He also managed to get on to a WhatsApp group for her halls of residence which could be accessed through a university Facebook page.

He was reported to police in October and arrested in November 2021.

Yesterday  at Bexley Magistrates’ Court, Mansie was convicted of one count of stalking after pleading guilty to the offence.

He will be sentenced at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on May 18.

Pictured top: Bexley Magistrates Court (Picture: Google Street View)