Man who harassed MP Stella Creasy on Tube spared jail
Clifford Wilby sentenced to suspended prison term and restraining order after July 2023 incident.
News London evidence indexOpen analysis ▾
All three sources cite the court, the victim's statement, and the defendant's actions, with specific dates and locations.
Higher is stronger
All three articles are very similar, quoting extensively from the victim and the court, and detailing the sentencing.
Higher is stronger
The headline uses a strong quote from the victim, but the article provides a balanced account of the court proceedings.
Lower is better
Clifford Wilby, 63, has been given a suspended prison sentence and a five-year restraining order after harassing Labour MP Stella Creasy on a Victoria Line train. The incident occurred on July 15 last year, when Wilby blocked Ms Creasy's exit and filmed her.
Details of the incident
Bromley Council drops case against Eddie Nketiah after compliance
The prosecution was withdrawn on 8 September 2026 after the Crystal Palace striker met the requirements of a Section 99 Building Act notice, according to Bromley Magistrates’ Court.
Westminster Magistrates' Court heard that Wilby, of East London, approached Ms Creasy on a Victoria Line train travelling between Walthamstow Central and Finsbury Park. He blocked her ability to leave the carriage and spoke to her about knife crime and her perceived "failings as a Member of Parliament". Wilby then filmed Ms Creasy before other passengers intervened and asked him to stop. Ms Creasy subsequently left the carriage.
In a statement shared on X ahead of the sentencing, Ms Creasy said the man treated her "like a human punch bag because he disagreed with my views". She gave evidence from behind a screen, describing how the encounter left her feeling anxious and powerless. She stated that she now deliberately sits as close to the train doors as possible when travelling alone on the Underground.
Previous encounter and court findings
Bexley Council adult social care rated ‘Requires Improvement’, carers face limited respite
The Care Quality Commission’s October 2025 inspection gave the service four ‘Good’ scores and five ‘Requires Improvement’ marks, prompting the council to launch a robust improvement plan.
The court was informed that Wilby and Ms Creasy had previously met during a Zoom call in 2024, which was ended due to Wilby's behaviour. During that online meeting, Ms Creasy stated Wilby made serious allegations, became abusive, and referred to having been diagnosed as a psychopath. Deputy chief magistrate Tan Ikram found Wilby guilty of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour intended to cause harassment, alarm, or distress.
Wilby, giving evidence, claimed he was hoping to continue a conversation about a constituent when Ms Creasy became agitated, prompting him to record the interaction for his safety. During the sentencing hearing, Wilby repeatedly called out "liar" from the dock, prompting the district judge, Robert Brown, to instruct him to be quiet.
Sentencing and restraining order
District Judge Robert Brown sentenced Wilby to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to complete 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and pay a £100 fine. A five-year restraining order was issued, prohibiting Wilby from contacting Ms Creasy directly or indirectly. The order also restricts him from entering Orford Road in E17, posting about Ms Creasy online, and entering the Walthamstow Labour Party constituency office.
The judge stated he did not believe the meeting was coincidental, suggesting Wilby had been targeting Ms Creasy. He added that such behaviour could deter individuals from public service, highlighting the impact on the Member of Parliament.
Questions this report answers
+What happened to Stella Creasy on the Tube?
Labour MP Stella Creasy was harassed on a Victoria Line train by Clifford Wilby on July 15 last year. Wilby blocked her exit, spoke to her about knife crime and her work, and filmed her. Other passengers intervened before Ms Creasy left the carriage.
+What was the outcome of the court case for Clifford Wilby?
Clifford Wilby was found guilty of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress. He received a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to complete rehabilitation activity days and pay £100.
+What restrictions are in place for Clifford Wilby?
A five-year restraining order has been made against Clifford Wilby. This prevents him from contacting Stella Creasy directly or indirectly, posting about her online, and entering specific locations including Orford Road in E17 and the Walthamstow Labour Party constituency office.
News London Desk
This article was written at the News London news desk from the reporting of the outlets listed below it. Drafting is done by a language model under human editorial supervision — there is no reporter behind this byline, and we would rather say so than invent one.
How stories are produced and scoredWho runs News LondonCorrections
The London Ledger
A considered capital-wide edit delivered each morning.
More Coverage in Council & Politics
Bromley Council drops case against Eddie Nketiah after compliance
Bexley Council adult social care rated ‘Requires Improvement’, carers face limited respite
London homes at high risk of overheating, report warns
