Andrew John Whitehead: art valuer admits stalking ex

An art and antiques valuer who has worked in the industry for three decades has faced court charged with stalking. Find out what happened in court.

Canberra Art valuer Andrew John Whitehead has pleaded guilty to stalking his ex. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

A veteran art and antiques valuer has landed himself in court after stalking his ex-partner.

Andrew John Whitehead pleaded guilty to charges of stalking and trespass when he appeared at the ACT Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Special Magistrate Margaret Hunter detailed the charges against Whitehead while formally charging him.

“Yes your worship, or is it your honour” Whitehead said.

The Magistrate told the court police alleged the art valuer trespassed on a property in the inner-north suburb of Campbell, ACT, and had stalked his former partner.

Andrew John Whitehead Leaves the ACT Law Courts on October 19 after pleading guilty to charges of stalking and trespass. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

Following Whitehead’s guilty pleas he made a bid for bail which was opposed by prosecutors over concerns about stalker’s behaviour towards his ex.

Prosecutors told the court Whitehead had previously been convicted of three counts of common assault, relating to incidents in 2002 and 2009.

Following prosecution submissions Ms Hunter spoke directly to Whitehead stating his attention towards his former partner was “unwanted”.

“She wants nothing to do with you,” she said.

Whitehead’s lawyer told the court his client was willing to forfeit $5000 in security and said he would live on the Gold Coast at Robina with his parents until his sentencing date.

His lawyer told the court Whitehead was an antique and art valuer with 30 years of experience and currently worked for Sydney based auction house Davidson Auctions and other auction houses in Canberra.

Andrew John Whitehead has worked as an art and antique valuer in Canberra and Sydney for 30 years. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

He told the court Whitehead did not have any children, and currently lived in O’Connor where he was paying $1800 monthly in mortgage repayments.

“(Whitehead) has no other source of income except his work,” the lawyer said.

Whitehead was described as being “depressed” and as having difficulties with “letting go” by his lawyer.

When asked by Ms Hunter when he would be able to travel to Queensland, Whitehead said “as soon as possible — could be tomorrow, could be today”.

The magistrate granted Whitehead bail with strict conditions, including residing at The Glades complex in Robina, not to go to the ACT except for court dates or legal appointments, and to leave the ACT by 5pm Friday.

Whitehead cannot contact, intimidate, assault, or harass the complainant and must not be within 100m of her.

“I’ll try to make the evening flight,” Whitehead said The art valuer will face sentencing on November 16.