Russell Island man Ralph Eric Dunsmore, 59, makes no application for bail

Ten hard drives; six USB sticks; at least 80 pages of statements: A court has heard the investigation into a Moreton Bay island man charged with stalking involved “most constituents”.

No application for bail was made today by a man facing five charges of unlawful stalking, in a matter police said involved interviewing most of a Moreton Bay island’s population and a massive amount of evidence spanning five years.

Appearing in the dock at Cleveland Magistrates Court today, Russell Island man Ralph Eric Dunsmore, 59, said not a word during his brief hearing.

The court heard a mental health assessment would be ordered for the man against whom police have gathered a significant amount of alleged evidence.

Two arresting officers were at the court for the hearing where Dunsmore also faced a single charge of wilful damage.

“The officers have only been through part of the evidence,” police prosecutor Sergeant Angela Tetley said.

“We have got six USB sticks, 10 hard drives – each hard drive is five terabytes – and one Samsung tablet.

“On one hard drive we have been through, they are all recordings of various (alleged) victims and complainants.

“You will see some of the (alleged) offences span five years.”

Police detailed a large investigation on Russell Island.

Sgt Tetley told the court the investigation encompassed a significant number on the tight knit island community.

“I have spoken with the arresting officers who have liaised with most of the constituents on Russell Island,” she said.

“We have 80 pages of statements that still need to be signed.”

Defence solicitor Bruce Johnstone of Colville Johnstone Lawyers represented Dunsmore in his capacity as a duty lawyer but said he would not continue to represent him going forward.

“I have concerns in relation to mental health issues, have raised them with him and he agrees that he needs to be assessed,” Mr Johnstone said.

The prosecution supported this submission and urged a “long, proper assessment”.

The court heard mental health assessments from remand took quite some time currently and Dunsmore would be best suited applying for legal aid.

As he was remanded to custody, Magistrate Deborah Vasta assured the man these measures would be arranged for him.

“We are going to get you some good lawyers and we are going to make sure that you were well at the time of these allegations,” Magistrate Vasta said.

Dunsmore’s matter is next scheduled to be heard at court on September 16.

Ralph Dunsmore, 59, made no application for bail at Cleveland Magistrates Court.