Software Expert Found Guilty of Stalking After AI Image Manipulation Campaign
A software expert who employed artificial intelligence to digitally manipulate images of his former partner and a male friend has been found guilty of stalking in a case that highlights the disturbing intersection of technology and personal vendettas. Dan Barua, aged 41, was convicted at Reading Magistrates' Court following a trial that revealed a campaign of harassment involving AI-generated content and bizarre public displays.
AI Manipulation and Social Media Posts
The court heard that Barua used artificial intelligence to alter photographs of Helen Wisbey, his ex-partner, and their mutual friend, Tom Putnam. Specifically, he transformed the viral Coldplay kiss cam couple into images of Ms Wisbey and Mr Putnam, falsely suggesting they were romantically involved. Additionally, Barua created other manipulated visuals, including one depicting Mr Putnam as a pig being attacked by a werewolf.
By July of last year, Barua escalated his actions by posting what Ms Wisbey described as 'all sorts of weird and wonderful posts' on social media. This included AI-generated videos that featured imagery of Ms Wisbey and Mr Putnam, crafted to make it appear as though they were denying accusations while simultaneously implying a romantic link. Ms Wisbey testified that these videos were part of a sustained effort to harass and distress her.
Bizarre Window Display and Message Bombardment
In a further act of intimidation, Barua erected a peculiar display in the window of his flat on St Leonards Road in Windsor. He used rolls of toilet paper and printed extracts from message exchanges between Ms Wisbey and Mr Putnam. Ms Wisbey explained in court that Barua knew she walked past his window at least once or twice daily, making the display a targeted act. The letters 'TP' were included, a reference Barua had previously used in a text to Mr Putnam, stating 'you sir have the integrity of wet toilet paper,' and which he realised could stand for both 'toilet paper' and 'Tom Putnam.'
The harassment extended to a relentless stream of messages. Adam Yar Khan, prosecuting, described the communications as 'voluminous, constant, repetitive and accusatory.' Ms Wisbey reported receiving between 30 to 70 messages per day from Barua, leaving her feeling overwhelmed and constantly on edge. She emphasised that the messages occupied her thoughts even when she was not actively reading them, significantly impacting her mental well-being.
Court Proceedings and Legal Outcome
During the trial, Barua denied the more serious charge of stalking involving serious alarm or distress. He admitted to sending the material but contested that it would have caused Ms Wisbey substantial adverse effects on her daily activities. District Judge Sundeep Pankhania ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove this element, leading to Barua's acquittal on that specific count.
However, Barua did plead guilty to a lesser offence of stalking. As a result, he has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear for a sentencing hearing on February 9. The case underscores the legal challenges in prosecuting technology-facilitated stalking, where digital tools can amplify harassment while complicating evidence standards.
Background and Relationships
Ms Wisbey had ended her two-and-a-half-year relationship with Barua in early May last year, after which the harassing behaviour began. She firmly denied having an affair with Mr Putnam during her relationship with Barua, clarifying in court that she and Mr Putnam had only a brief fling nine years prior and had maintained a platonic friendship since. This context highlights how Barua's accusations were unfounded, yet formed the basis of his obsessive campaign.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for artificial intelligence to be weaponised in personal disputes, raising important questions about privacy, consent, and the need for robust legal frameworks to address emerging forms of digital crime.
