MP Stella Creasy harassed on Victoria Line train
Man sentenced to suspended jail term and restraining order after confronting MP on London Underground.
Incident → evidence → outcomeLabour MP Stella Creasy was subjected to harassment on a Victoria Line train last year, leaving her feeling like a "human punch bag". Clifford Wilby, 63, blocked the MP's ability to leave a train carriage between Walthamstow Central and Finsbury Park on July 15 last year. He spoke to her about knife crime and her "failings as a Member of Parliament" before filming her. Other passengers intervened and asked Wilby to stop before Ms Creasy left the carriage.
Wilby was found guilty of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress. He was sentenced at Westminster Magistrates' Court to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to complete 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and pay £100.
Restraining Order and Impact
A five-year restraining order was made against Wilby. This order prevents him from contacting Ms Creasy directly or indirectly. He is also prohibited from entering Orford Road, E17, posting about Ms Creasy on social media or online, and entering the Walthamstow Labour Party constituency office.
In a victim personal statement read to the court, Ms Creasy described the incident as intimidating and part of a wider pattern of behaviour. She stated she still experiences anxiety when travelling alone on the Underground and now deliberately sits near the doors. She added that being trapped in the moving train carriage left her feeling powerless and that she was frightened for the passengers who intervened to help her.
District Judge Robert Brown stated during sentencing that he did not believe the meeting was coincidental, suggesting Wilby had been watching Ms Creasy. He added that such behaviour could deter people from public service.
Wilby, who is homeless and reportedly suffering from mental health difficulties, had previously met Ms Creasy on a Zoom call in 2024. This online meeting was ended due to his behaviour, where he allegedly made serious allegations and became abusive.
Questions this report answers
01What 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 aggressively about knife crime and her work, and filmed her. Other passengers intervened before Ms Creasy left the carriage.
02What was the outcome for Clifford Wilby?
Clifford Wilby was found guilty of causing harassment, alarm or distress. He received a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to complete rehabilitation activity. He must also pay £100.
03What 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. He is also banned from specific locations, including the Walthamstow Labour Party constituency office, and from posting about Ms Creasy online.
04How has the incident affected Stella Creasy?
Ms Creasy stated she felt like a "human punch bag" and experiences anxiety when travelling alone on the Underground. She now deliberately sits closer to the doors and felt powerless when trapped in the carriage during the incident.
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