A mentally ill Sydney man who delusionally believed he was in a relationship with radio host Jackie O has been sentenced to prison after sending her thousands of messages and appearing outside her home.
David Gourlay, 38, inundated Jackie O – whose real name is Jacqueline Henderson – with up to 2000 Instagram direct messages over a five-month period. Many were sent consecutively, referenced her personal details, and were written as though the pair shared an ongoing relationship and a child.
“I am not giving up on us,” he wrote on July 3.
Henderson did not respond to any of the messages, some of which contained explicit descriptions of Gourlay’s sexual fantasies.
The behaviour escalated when he sent flowers to her home addressed to “Jackie Anderson.”
Police later located him sitting on a bench outside Henderson’s home in Sydney’s east.
He was taken into custody and referred for a mental health assessment.
Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court heard on Wednesday that Gourlay, who has schizoaffective disorder with bipolar, had been experiencing delusions involving Henderson.
“He is battling quite a significant mental health issue,” his lawyer, Trudie Cameron, told the court during sentencing.
Cameron said Gourlay had been non-compliant with medication and reported paranoia and hallucinations in the lead-up to sending the messages.
An expert report linked his conduct directly to his mental illness, finding the behaviour arose from his delusional beliefs.
“When he’s medicated, when he’s well, he is a productive member of the community,” she said, arguing he should serve his sentence in the community. She added he felt genuine remorse and understood the fear his actions would have caused Henderson.
However, the prosecution sought a custodial sentence, citing the “abhorrent” sexual nature of some messages and the need for deterrence.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Theo Tsavdaridis noted the disturbing nature of the material.
“The messages were targeted, unwanted and incessant,” he said.
Tsavdaridis said Henderson had “rightfully feared for her family’s safety” when a stranger appeared outside her home after repeatedly contacting her.
The court was told Gourlay had an extensive criminal history and was already serving two community orders at the time of the offending.
He was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of eight months. With time already served, he will be eligible for parole in March.
A five-year apprehended violence order, expiring in 2030, prohibits Gourlay from approaching or contacting Henderson except through a lawyer.
The order also prevents him from assaulting, threatening, stalking or harassing Henderson or any person with whom she has a domestic relationship.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
For information or support regarding depression, call beyondblue on 1300 224 636, or speak with your GP, a health professional, or someone you trust.
For assistance relating to sexual abuse or the National Redress Scheme, contact the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service on 1800 211 028.
Images: 7NEWS / Instagram
