Warrnambool man accused of 'love-bombing' woman days after jail release

The 53-year-old man, who cannot be named because that could identify the victim, pleaded guilty in Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Friday to breaches of intervention orders after seeking a sentence indication.

The man, who has already served about two months on remand, was jailed for eight months.

Magistrate Franz Holzer said the offending was a significant example of coercive controlling.

He said the man couldn't or wouldn't let go of the relationship and made the victim's life "a living hell".

While the woman's victim impact statement was not read to the court, the magistrate said a key phrase was "why won't he just leave me alone?".

The court heard the man was jailed for 14 days in September after he pleaded guilty to sending the woman threatening messages after a break-up from a brief relationship, as well as unsolicited photos of his genitals and a sexually offensive video.

He then continued to follow and contact the victim despite an intervention order in place to protect her.

On one occasion he approached the woman's car and handed her a letter saying he loved her and was looking forward to the order expiring in 12 months.

The complainant took the letter and drove straight to the Warrnambool police station to report the incident.

He was arrested, charged and then released on bail.

But in the days after his release from custody the victim sighted the man at various locations where she was known to frequent in the Warrnambool area.

Family members of the victim also observed the man driving by the woman's workplace numerous times.

Ian Pugh, representing the man, said his client told him the drivebys were coincidental as he was travelling to and from work.

Mr Holzer said he did not accept that explanation.

In an earlier court hearing, Detective Sergeant Kim Wheeler, of the Warrnambool police family violence unit, said the contact with the complainant was unwanted and accused the man of love-bombing - a term used to describe excessive and unwanted attention, admiration and affection.

Detective Sergeant Wheeler explained the term love-bombing here.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

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