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A 25-year-old who caused a woman "worry and distress" by harassing her over the course of three months has been banned from contacting her, or loitering within 50 metres of her home or workplace
The Magistrate’s Court heard that Tiago Alexis Freitas Pontes, who was also given a binding over order, harassed the woman between 1 May and 26 July last year.
Legal adviser Paul Lee, prosecuting, said that on one day Pontes called at her home three times.
Advocate Sarah Dale, defending, pointed out that Pontes had pleaded guilty early.
"He does accept that his actions were excessive and would have caused some element of worry and distress," she said.
She said that Pontes was on medication for psychological problems and was also due to undergo psychotherapy.
"A binding over order would be a useful reminder for Mr Pontes that he needs to keep on board with his treatment," she argued.
Assistant Magistrate Sarah Fitz agreed to impose a binding over order for 12 months rather than a prison sentence, but told Pontes: "Please don’t take from that that the court takes these matters lightly.
"You must be very careful of your behaviour in future."
The restraining order, which will be in force for five years, bans Pontes from both direct and indirect contact with the woman.
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