Judith Ann Schulz granted bail after being charged over alleged stalking, extortion of Cr Scott Henschen

The former campaign manager of a sitting South Burnett councillor faced court, charged with stalking and attempting to extort the councillor, following a long running and public dispute.

In a shocking twist, the former campaign manager of a sitting South Burnett councillor has been charged with stalking the councillor and attempting to extort him.

Judith Ann Schulz, 57, was arrested by Murgon CIB officers on Tuesday, May 18, and charged with unlawful stalking and two counts of extortion.

The Tingoora-based web designer previously worked as Cr Scott Henschen‘s campaign manager.

However, the relationship soured, with the dispute playing out on social media for months, culminating in a failed attempt by Ms Schulz to have a Peace and Good Behaviour Order made against the councillor.

In court, police alleged Ms Schulz engaged in targeted abuse and harassment of the councillor, beginning in March 2020.

She faced Murgon Magistrates court on Wednesday, May 19, to apply for bail and was represented by Jay Rose.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Pepe Gangemi opposed bail, telling Magistrate Andrew Sinclair the prosecution case’s strength was “high”.

“(She) embarked on a series of offending where she has used different names and a relentless style of offending,” Sgt Gangemi said.

Magistrate Sinclair noted police alleged the stalking behaviour had occurred over a “protracted period of time”.

“(She’s) directed intentional conduct towards … Mr Henschen where she’s gone near his premises, she’s gone to a place where he was … she’s left offensive material, she’s posted offensive material,” Magistrate Sinclair said.

Judith Ann Schulz, left, has been charged with allegedly stalking and attempting to extort her former client, SBRC Cr Scott Henschen (right), and faced Murgon Magistrates Court on May 19, 2021. Picture: Facebook

However, Ms Rose told the court her client should be granted bail, with certain conditions including restrictions on how she accessed social media.

She also noted her client was continuing to pursue several legal matters relating to complaints against Cr Henschen and the South Burnett Regional Council, which would prove difficult to manage in custody.

Sergeant Gangemi told the court previous legal decisions had held that bail was always a risk, and it was a question as to whether that risk could be ameliorated with specific conditions, which he submitted could not be achieved in this case.

“Your honour has correctly identified that the behaviour (by Ms Schulz) hasn’t stopped,” Sergeant Gangemi said.

“Our particular position is, how can your honour be satisfied that the orders and conditions to be imposed are going to be adhered to by someone with such self-righteous indignation … When a decision is made that she’s not happy with it’s appealed, it’s appealed, it’s appealed.

“The prosecution case is high your honour, the strength of the evidence is high.”

However, Magistrate Sinclair granted Ms Schulz bail, but imposed a range of strict conditions including requiring her to report to Murgon CIB once a week and ordered that she not contact, approach or have anyone else contact or approach Cr Henschen and a number of other witnesses.

She was further ordered to not post or cause to be posted any social media items in relation to the complainant, the South Burnett Regional Council or any witness in the matter, and that she disclosed to police all social media and email accounts she has access to.

The case was adjourned until August 16 for committal mention.