Canberra Magistrate Delivers Powerful Message in Harassment Case
A Canberra man has been convicted and sentenced for subjecting a former partner to a relentless campaign of harassing communications that left her feeling profoundly unsafe and vulnerable. The case, heard in the ACT Magistrates Court, prompted special magistrate Sean Richter to deliver a pointed message about relationship dynamics and personal responsibility.
'You Need to Grow Up': Magistrate's Direct Words
"First thing you can do is start realising your domestic partner is not your property," Magistrate Richter told the 31-year-old defendant during sentencing proceedings. "If they choose someone over you, that's a fact of life."
The magistrate continued with a blunt assessment of the man's behavior: "You need to grow up, sir. You've shown an incredible lack of maturity here." These comments came as the court handed down a two-year good behaviour order for the harassment offence, along with additional penalties for separate driving charges.
Pattern of Unwanted Contact and Fear
The court heard that after the couple's serious relationship ended, they attempted to maintain a friendship that eventually became "murky." In December 2024, when the man heard an unconfirmed rumour about the victim seeing someone else, he initiated a two-day barrage of harassing messages and repeated phone calls.
When the woman blocked his number, he began calling from a different phone. Prosecutor Julia McLean revealed the man also attended the victim's home on two occasions, despite her making clear the contact was unwanted.
In a victim impact statement, the woman described how "the actions instilled a fear in me" and detailed ongoing anxiety and relationship difficulties stemming from the harassment. "What happened that night will always be with me," she told the court.
Defence and Broader Context
Defence barrister Dean Ager acknowledged his client took full responsibility for actions committed during a period when the man was "insecure, erratic, jealous and deeply angry." The defendant, who cannot be named to protect the victim's identity, had recently been subject to a family violence protection order.
In concluding remarks, Magistrate Richter expressed concern about broader patterns: "It's very sad how many young men I see coming into these courts charged with family violence matters." Addressing the defendant directly, he added: "This is your first time. I'm hoping it's going to be your last."
The case highlights ongoing issues with domestic and family violence matters in the ACT court system, with authorities continuing to emphasise support services for those affected.
