Pressure is growing on LinkedIn to close the account of convicted stalker Sam Wall.
On Friday, the 55-year-old, of Butterfield Close, Cheadle, was sentenced to 28 months and given a restraining order after pleading guilty to stalking, harassment and malicious communication.
His Honour Judge Usher told Wall: “Your name has become synonymous with online stalking.”
Both her victims – motivational speaker Brad Burton and leading tech industry figure Naomi Timperley – were in court to see her jailed and have called on the tech companies to do more to protect the victims of online stalking.
Burton wrote: “LinkedIn management, hold your heads in shame. Disgusting. This case could have ended with a tragic outcome. Do something, before you have to do something.”
Despite her conviction and the restraining order, Wall’s premium LinkedIn account remains active this morning.
Wall, who describes herself as a digital marketing strategist, has nearly 27,000 followers on LinkedIn and was still active on the platform in the hours leading up to her sentencing.
Sam Wall’s LinkedIn account
Wall’s private Instagram account, which has more than 4,500 followers, is also active.
The news that her social media accounts are still active has sparked a furious response on LinkedIn.
PR and marketing consultant Megan Codling asked: “What is LinkedIn doing about it?”
Tech entrepreneur Caroline England, founder of Featherbed Tales, asked: “LinkedIn, why have you not removed this account despite repeated requests and a conviction?”
Video producer Julian Wellings said: “Brad is a valued 18-year business contact of mine. I remain incredulous that the social media platforms, including LinkedIn, have failed to act. They must do better.”
Rebecca Owen said: “Seriously remove her immediately LinkedIn.”
Alex Cousins, MD of Alex Consulting, said: “Wow. LinkedIn really needs to do something.”
Nicki Blades asked: “What exactly is LinkedIn doing about this to protect its members given that most of the abuse was on their platform and they refused to take her comments down even after she pleaded guilty?”
Marketing recruiter Jonathan Hirst said: “Just disgraceful how LinkedIn did nothing to protect its members.”
Corporate photographer Arwyn Bailey asked: “Are you now going to make a comment, Microsoft and LinkedIn? You say that you treat bullying and harassment seriously. Well, now is the time to step up and take things seriously.
“You have allowed one person to tear to shreds the lives of decent people. The knock-on effect on their families, friends and businesses, cannot be measured.
“Forget the money, forget your fear of being castigated, by doing nothing, you are subjecting yourself to self-condemnation.”
Psychiatric reports diagnosed Wall with having a ‘delusional disorder’ but His Honour Judge Usher told her that the condition did not compel her to act in the way that she did.
BusinessCloud contacted LinkedIn for a statement.