Alleged Frankston North schoolgirl stalker bailed on strict conditions, ordered to avoid high school
The wife of a man who allegedly stalked a 17-year-old girl as she walked to school at Frankston’s Monterey Secondary College has told a court she will dob him in if he breaks his bail conditions.
South East
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A man accused of stalking a schoolgirl in Frankston North has been bailed.
Richard Ng, 38, was released from custody on Wednesday under strict conditions including that he must not drink alcohol or leave his Frankston North home unless in the company of his wife.
It comes after Mr Ng allegedly stalked a 17-year-old Monterey Secondary College student as she walked to school on February 27.
Police allege he followed the girl down the street in his van before pulling over and asking her if she wanted a lift.
She said ‘no’ and was allegedly so terrified she sprinted to the school to raise the alarm.
Police then allegedly found short pieces of rope, which they believe could have been used as hand restraints, inside his van.
The prosecution told the Frankston Magistrates Court on Wednesday it would be “highly traumatic” for the victim if she saw Mr Ng ahead of her VCE exams.
Magistrate Timothy Gattuso said the victim’s possible reaction “weighed heavily” on his decision but a combination of factors would reduce Mr Ng’s risk of reoffending.
Mr Ng’s likely penalty could outweigh the 223 days he had already spent in custody, with a contest mention date delayed due to COVID-19.
Mr Ng has no relative criminal history, with his wife making a promise to the court she would raise the alarm if he broke his bail conditions.
“(There’s) certainly an arguable defence whether or not the stalking is made out,” Mr Gattuso said.
“The risk you present would be reduced substantially if you’re not consuming alcohol,” he told Mr Ng.
Mr Ng was also ordered to reside at his Frankston North home, stay 500m from Monterey Secondary College, not contact the witness and not drive a vehicle.
He will face court again on November 5.
brittany.goldsmith@news.com.au
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