Mildura man Jacob Hunter in twisted campaign of stalking, blackmail and death threats

A Mildura man unleashed a sick campaign of stalking and threats, bombarding a woman with chilling messages and terrifying her family

Jacob Hunter unleashed a sick campaign of stalking and threats, bombarding a woman with chilling messages and terrifying her family. Picture: Generic

A Mildura man threatened to kill a woman and her parents, and cause self harm to himself in a disturbing campaign of blackmail, stalking and control, a court has heard.

Jacob Hunter appeared in Mildura Magistrates’ Court via AV Link on Monday, seeking appeal bail over the four-month jail term he received on stalking charges last week.

Hunter was convicted of multiple offences after he sent the woman a series of threatening messages, including repeated death threats against her and her family.

The court heard he continued to harass her from public payphones even after being released following similar offending.

It was revealed in court last week that Hunter had sent multiple threatening messages to the woman threatening to kill both her and her family, and continued to send threatening messages from public payphones.

Magistrate Michael Coghlan denied Hunter’s application for appeal bail saying he was a risk to the safety and welfare of any person.

The court heard the victim, who read an emotional Victim Impact Statement at Hunter’s sentencing last week, was gravely concerned when she heard Hunter might be getting out on bail.

“What conditions could I possibly impose upon this man that he might comply with to ensure the victim is … not placed at risk by his behaviour,” Magistrate Michael Coghlan said.

Mr Coghlan told Hunter he had blown his chances when he had ignored a warning he was given just days prior to receiving his four month sentence.

“You sat in the dock Mr Hunter … and I warned you what the consequences would be. I don’t propose to grant you bail,” Mr Coghlan said, adding he was a risk to the safety and welfare of any person.

Hunter will now await a date for his appeal hearing to be listed in the County Court behind bars.