Rio Ferdinand Stalker Gets October Trial Date

Court Date: Ibru

A former model, who stalked footballer Rio Ferdinand, is accused of signing-up with his personal trainer and sending texts referring to the star despite a restraining order.

Susanne Ibru, 44, of Halifax Way, Christchurch, Dorset was locked-up for a week after her arrest for breaching the order, imposed by magistrates in 2011.

Today at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court her trial was adjourned to October 6.

Ibru - who has changed her name to Okoya - had already pleaded not guilty to harassment on May 4 and was released on bail after a week on remand.

“I’ve read his witness statement that says the stalking has continued,” said District Judge Susan Green during a previous hearing. “It says she continues to effect his day-to-day activities.

“I want enquiries made to Rio Ferdinand if like that statement says there has been a continuous course of conduct.

“Is she targeting this personal trainer because of her history with Rio Ferdinand. It’s not coincidental. She must have known he had a connection with Rio Ferdinand.”

The charge arises from two text messages Ibru sent Teddington-based ex-rugby pro Mel Deane, one of which read: “I think you are going to have to ask Rio to pay for the session. LOL.”

Prosecutor Miss Angela Mahadeo told the court: “This is the second breach, the first was in 2012. 

“The issue of the case is text messages sent to a third party in relation to outstanding payments for training sessions.

“The Crown say if she is granted bail she will interfere with witnesses. She admitted in interview she did send the text messages.

“The fact the text messages have been sent, even third party, we say is indirect contact. We say she will continue now to do it.”

Ibru’s lawyer Deborah Hogg told the court: “It’s all about two text messages she sent to the personal trainer of Rio Ferdinand and it’s about what her intention was and why she sent these text messages.

“She knows where Rio Ferdinand lives and where his grandmother lives in Peckham, her family live in Peckham,” added the lawyer.

“She says: ‘It wasn’t my intention to to contact a third party to get in contact with him.’

“She says these texts were jokey in context and she had a training session afterwards with Mr. Deane.

“She lives and hour-and-a-half away in Christchurch and works from home, a travel agency franchise and receives working tax credits.”

Ibru, dressed in maroon leggings, a white long-sleeved top and white patterned scarf around her head insists she did not initially know Mr. Deane, 42, trained Ferdinand.

She remains on bailed on conditions she resides at her recorded address, does not enter any London borough and does not contact Deane or Ferdinand.