Simon Key granted home detention bail in Adelaide District Court on charge of stalking SA Premier Steven Marshall
The man charged with stalking SA Premier Steven Marshall is now “stable” and has been granted bail, with a condition that he be closely monitored by mental health services.
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The man who is charged with stalking SA Premier Steven Marshall has been released on bail, with a condition that he be “closely monitored” by mental health services.
Simon Key, 43, applied for bail by video link in the Adelaide District Court on Friday, after he pleaded guilty last year to leaving a “threatening, aggressive and abusive” voicemail on Mr Marshall’s phone.
A police prosecutor told the court that they hadn’t been able to review Key’s psychiatric report with the doctor since the last adjournment but were still opposed to his release on bail.
Judge Liesl Chapman said it was “disappointing” that no one from prosecution had been able to pick up the phone and speak to the doctor before the hearing.
“Mr Key has a long standing history of mental health issues – they’re well documented,” she said.
“It’s undesirable for a man with Mr Key’s documented mental health issues to be in custody.”
Trish Johnson, for Key, persevered with the application for home detention bail, saying there would be lengthy delays while Key was assessed.
“If there needs a second opinion, an interstate expert will need to be engaged,” she said.
“Mr Key is stable now and treated – he can reside with his brother.
“Any sign of him becoming unwell will be immediately reported by his brother to mental health.”
Key pleaded guilty to stalking SA Premier Steven Marshall in October – but questions remain as to whether or not he suffers from a mental impairment.
Key, 42, was arrested in May and charged with one count of stalking a person to influence the performance of a public officer.
Police have alleged Key left a “threatening, aggressive and abusive” voicemail on Mr Marshall’s phone.
They further allege he named other MPs including Stephen Wade, Vickie Chapman and Corey Wingard in that message.
Despite claims Key has a “long history” of such behaviour, and has come to the attention of counter-terrorism officers in the past, Mr Marshall has said he “felt safe”.
The court heard a psychological report had been obtained which set out a mental competence defence for Key.
Ms Johnson said Key should be released on bail with a condition that he comply with psychiatric assessment and treatment and be closely monitored by forensic mental health.
She said his brother could be a guarantor for $5000.
Judge Chapman granted Key home detention bail to live with his brother in Paralowie.
“In my view, it’s been made clear that he will be properly monitored by community mental health services if he’s on home detention,” she said.
The charge was adjourned until next month.
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