Fan denies stalking top model Simone Holtznagel for months
A Sydney man accused of stalking one of Australia’s top models has pleaded not guilty.
A fan has pleaded not guilty to stalking an international model and reality TV personality for nearly four months around Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
Benjamin Reeves, 58, did not appear in Waverley Local Court on Thursday after being charged with stalking the Playboy model with the intention of causing her fear of physical or mental harm.
Police allege the McMahons Point resident became obsessed with the 29-year-old model and repeatedly turned up uninvited at events she was attending.
According to police, the 58-year-old man stalked Ms Holtznagel for nearly four months from the beginning of April to the end of July. He allegedly followed her to multiple locations and intimidated her.
Police claim the majority of the stalking took place around Bondi Beach in Sydney’s east.
Officers from the Eastern Suburbs contingent arrested Mr Reeves a month ago at his home on Sydney’s North Shore. He was taken to Chatswood police station and charged with stalking that afternoon.
Ms Holtznagel did not know her alleged stalker, according to police.
While Mr Reeves was excused from appearing in court on Thursday morning, his lawyer entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf.
Magistrate Ross Hudson ordered a brief of evidence be served on the defence in preparation for a hearing.
The matter will return to court in October to set a date for Mr Reeves to fight the allegation of stalking.
Police have applied for an apprehended violence order to protect Ms Holtznagel, which will also be heard when the matter returns to Waverley Court.
The order prohibits Mr Reeves from approaching, contacting or harming the high-profile model.
Ms Holtznagel has become a household name in Australia since she was a finalist in Australia’s Next top Model in 2011.
She has appeared in campaigns for beloved brands such as Guess Jeans, Bras N Things and Honey Birdette and famously modelled for Playboy in the United States.
The buxom blonde has also graced Australian TV screens with a stint on I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! and a recent gruelling effort on SAS Australia.
Her sister Madeline Holtznagel is also a fixture of the Sydney scene.
She is dating hospitality baron Justin Hemmes, who is currently embroiled in his own legal battle over alleged wage theft at his Merivale venues.
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