Alleged stalker accused of sending 201 emails to ex-partner extradited from Queensland

CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to alleged domestic violence.

An alleged stalker accused of sending his ex-partner hundreds of abusive or harassing emails claimed he didn’t understand the importance of coming to court after he was extradited to the ACT from Queensland to face charges.

The 48-year-old, who is not named to protect the identity of his alleged victim, reportedly sent her 201 emails over one year, often sending numerous emails a day, court documents say.

For example, he allegedly sent her 86 emails over 22 days in April 2023, as well as 50 emails over 23 days that December.

The woman told police that over the year, he had allegedly become very persistent, abusive and manipulative to her and the people in her life, as well as consistently blaming her for his declining mental health.

In the emails, the man allegedly called her a “nasty person”, a “heartless c–t”, and a “putrid shallow heartless lowlife”. Then, at one stage, he told her, “I’m coming over”.

“I always provided, always put you guys first, cancelled my hip replacement for yours and I still worked,” he allegedly told her.

“You should be ashamed of yourself and your lies and bulls–t.”

On another occasion, he allegedly emailed her to say, “So how many blokes have you f-d in our bed”.

After allegedly sending her these emails, he then said, “why won’t you speak with me, seriously I’m struggling big time here”.

The woman spoke to police in March 2024, telling them she wanted to be left alone and felt too threatened and scared to go out or even leave her home.

The man was arrested two days later and told police he wanted to move to Queensland and start a new life.

It is alleged the man then failed to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court on 5 April 2024 to face his charge of stalking, so a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Police found him at his workplace in Mackay, Queensland, on Tuesday (11 June) and placed him under arrest before he was extradited to the ACT to face the Magistrates Court on Thursday (13 June).

He applied for bail, which was opposed by prosecutor Ilsa Hattam, who said he had originally been granted bail on the condition he remain in the ACT. However, she said he left and went to Queensland without telling police.

His defence lawyer said he had not understood how serious it was to not come back to court. She said he was now very much aware of how serious it was to fail to appear.

She also said he intended to return to Queensland where he worked full-time.

Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker said the man now appeared to recognise the significance of the requirement to attend court and granted him bail. He must live at an address in Queensland and report to police in Mackay.

The matter was adjourned to July, but the man does not have to attend in person if he is legally represented. It was unclear whether pleas had been entered.

If this story has raised any concerns for you, 1800RESPECT, the national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line, can be contacted on 1800 737 732. Help and support are also available through the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre on 02 6247 2525, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT 02 6280 0900, and Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call Triple Zero.