Matthew Dean Thomas: Unwell Raceview man charged over alleged ‘bizarre’ stalking

Police have told a court an Ipswich woman felt like a prisoner in her own home amid an alleged 18-month stalking ordeal by a “fixated” neighbour.

Exterior picture of the Ipswich Court house Ipswich Friday 28th October 2022 Picture David Clark

A Raceview woman felt like a prisoner in her own home and was “too scared” to go outside amid an alleged 18-month stalking ordeal, a court has heard.

Matthew Dean Thomas, 29, appeared in the Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on Thursday on charges of stalking, possessing a dangerous drug, and possessing a drug utensil.

Police prosecutor sergeant Brad Dick told the court Mr Thomas allegedly began stalking the woman, who lived just 500m from him, in June last year.

“This was very protracted and persistent (alleged) offending,” he said.

“His behaviours were escalating over time … it’s gotten to a point where the (alleged) victim simply cannot walk or drive away from her house out of fear.”

Sgt Dick said on a number of occasions the “obsessive” man allegedly jumped in front of the woman’s moving car forcing her to swerve to avoid hitting him.

“He was waving and yelling at the (alleged) victim and seen dancing erratically and blowing kisses in the street,” he said.

At one point he allegedly knocked on the front door of the woman’s home and told her partner he was: “told by divine spirits to come here for my heart”.

The court heard she was too scared to check her mailbox because Mr Thomas allegedly had, on a number of occasions, hid behind bushes nearby and jumped out at her.

Duty lawyer Matthew Fairclough said Mr Thomas has been assessed as suffering from mental health issues after his arrest in October.

“He’s been at the hospital for a substantial period of time,” he said.

“Clearly it’s unfortunate the (alleged) offending was left by police and health systems to accumulate to the point of a stalking charge.

The bizarre behaviours attributed to Mr Thomas can be understood as part of his established mental health issues.”

He asked the court to bail Mr Thomas to live with his mother however this was opposed by police who said they held concerns for the safety of the woman.

During his court appearance Mr Thomas could be heard rambling, including saying the name of his alleged victim on a number of occasions.

The bail application was adjourned for a month by Magistrate Dennis Kinsella who said it appeared to be “premature”.

“I think he will benefit from some time in the relevant unit,” he said.

“I propose to adjourn for a month and see where his mental health is at.”

Mr Thomas will return to court on December 22.