Andrew Whitehead sentenced in ACT Magistrates Court for stalking ex-partner

An antiques valuer with 30 years of experience who admitted to stalking his ex-partner has learned his fate. Find out about his dramatic arrest.

Antiques Valuer Andrew Whitehead has learned his fate after pleading guilty to stalking and tresspass. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

A respected antiques valuer stalking his ex-partner was only apprehended because he was chased and tackled by neighbours who mistakenly believed he was a thief, a court has heard.

Andrew Whitehead, who has worked as a valuer for over three decades, pleaded guilty to stalking and trespassing last month after he was caught loitering near his former partner’s residence.

At court on Wednesday, Whitehead’s lawyer said a string of burglaries had plagued the housing complex where his client’s ex-partner lived.

He said when neighbours saw Whitehead in the carpark of the complex, they chased him, tackled him, and forcefully restrained him, which caused the valuer injuries to his face. They then called the police.

Andrew Whitehead was chased, tackled and restrained by the neighbours or his ex-partner who mistakenly believed he was a burglar. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

The defence lawyer said while being interrogated by police to clear accusations of burglary, Whitehead explained the true reason why he was at the property.

“(Whitehead) would not be charged if he had not spoken to police,” he said.

In sentencing submissions, the defence lawyer said Whitehead had displayed signs of major depressive disorder and adjustment disorder and had a low risk of reoffending.

He said his client was “employed, educated, with strong support”, noting that a support person was present in court.

The lawyer said Whitehead had sought help from psychiatrists and a family violence helpline, and had been living with his prosocial parents on the Gold Coast while on bail.

In sentencing, Special Magistrate Margaret Hunter noted Whitehead had offences from 2002 and 2008 on his record, which she described as being “of some antiquity”.

She said Whitehead’s recent offending was an “unusual circumstance” for a family violence-related offence.

“(He made) no threat of intimidation or violence towards the complainant,” Ms Hunter said.

“There was no contact with the complainant.”

She described Whitehead’s relationship with the victim as significant and “on-and-off”.

“(He) was not sure if he was in a relationship,” she said.

“But he knew what he did and told police.”

Ms Hunter sentenced Whitehead to an 18-month good behaviour order with a 12-month probation period.

She also fined the antiques valuer $400 to be paid within six months.