‘Besotted’ Sandgate grandfather stalks and terrifies former flame, calls her a ‘sex toy’

The man, who has just two years to live, followed and messaged the woman incessantly, causing her to fear for her life.

A grandmother in Brisbane’s north lives in fear after a short-lived relationship turned sour, leading to months of aggravated stalking and harassment.

Robert Barlow, 70, hoped a relationship with the woman would “fill the void” of loneliness he felt after the passing of his former partner Annette Fitzgerald to an aggressive lymphoma.

The two dated for three months before the woman broke it off, but Barlow wasn’t about to take no for an answer.

Robert Barlow pleaded guilty to unlawfully stalking his ex-girlfriend, after evidence shows months of harassment including him following her in his car as she dropped off her daughter at school.

READ MORE

A career criminal has the chance to turn his life around after stealing $700 worth of handbags and shoes

10 McMuffins, two punch ups and one stolen card during FIFO worker’s wild night out

Young Brisbane hospo worker turns to drugs to cope with mother’s murder

Rather than accepting the woman’s decision, Barlow “began to act strangely”, turning up unannounced to her home and workplace, bringing her gifts she didn’t ask for and sending her multiple text messages and emails each day, the Sandgate Magistrates Court heard.

The woman did not respond, only telling Barlow to stay away when it became necessary.

The situation escalated between June and September 2019, until Barlow was seen waiting outside the woman’s workplace, yelling her name to get her attention and trying to intercept her as she walked to the entrance.

In a desperate attempt to escape, the woman ran into her secure work car park and later called police, informing them she was concerned for her own safety.

The court heard Barlow then started to drive past the woman and her daughter as they walked to and from school, and send her text messages telling her he’d been watching her as she walked the Sandgate Esplanade and ate fish and chips with her friend.

“You’re so gorgeous and irresistible, I think about you every day and every night,” Barlow wrote in a text message, according to the police prosecutor.

“I’m not concerned by any harassment I’ve caused you because I’m so besotted with you.

“I can’t deal with you not replying to me.”

The woman stopped visiting her usual spots, started checking her locks multiple times a day, and continued to ignore Barlow’s messages.

The radio silence seemed to anger Barlow who, after some time of being ignored, began to change his tune.

Robert Barlow has just two years left to live, but he's decided to invest significant time and energy stalking former flame.

“You’re the most narcissistic person I’ve ever met in my life,” Barlow texted the woman.

“Most people know you’re a tart, you are a sex toy.

“Our lives together could have been so different … you’ve ruined my life.”

Barlow pleaded guilty to two charges including unlawful stalking, but won’t face any time in custody or probation due a life-threatening illness.

The father of two and grandfather of three is currently receiving palliative care for metastatic prostate cancer and the court was told he has just two years left to live.

Magistrate Jennifer Batts said Barlow’s behaviour was very concerning, and noted they only stopped once formal charges had been laid.

Given his illness and recent death of his long term partner, Ms Batts sentenced Barlow to a two year good behaviour bond. Should he reoffend, he will have to pay the courts $3000.