Catfisher carried out ‘merciless’ stalking campaign to torment victims

An Aussie heart-throb’s identity is one of the characters allegedly used by a “fantasist” to torment victims in a shocking stalking campaign.

A catfisher allegedly tormented victims across Australia posing as a popular Home and Away star in a “merciless” stalking campaign, a court has been told.

Lydia Abdelmalek allegedly posed as Home and Away star Lincoln Lewis and created other characters in a bid to ensnare multiple victims in her “false world”.

The 32-year-old was sentenced to two years and eight months for six counts of stalking in June 2019 but is appealing the decision in the County Court of Victoria.

The appeal continues for Lydia Abdelmalek, who is accused of posing as Home And Away heart-throb Lincoln Lewis to stalk women. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

Dressed in a top with the words “Mon Cheri” emblazoned on it Ms Abdelmalek was grilled about the claims that left the alleged victims psychologically damaged.

“You are a liar,” Crown prosecutor Angela Moran said on Thursday.

“You are a fantasist.

“You have stalked all these people.”

To these questions Ms Abdelmalek replied “I’m not” and “I didn’t”.

She denied forging licences, including that of Mr Lewis, in order to trick her alleged victims into believing she was the star.

Lincoln Lewis (right) and with his dad, legendary NRL player Wally Lewis at The Logie Awards in 2014. Picture: AAP Image/Joe Castro

Ms Moran also interrogated Ms Abdelmalek about whether she “extensively and ruthlessly” stalked two women using the identity of the actor and tricked them into a relationship.

“No, I didn’t,” Ms Abdelmalek replied.

She rebuffed the allegation that she “mercilessly exploited” her victims when she received intimate images while posing as an actor in a relationship with them and threatened to share the pictures.

In one instance, intimate images were sent to an alleged victim’s partner calling her “a d--k sucking sl-t”. Ms Abdelmalek said she was not behind it.

Ms Abdelmalek (left) was cross-examined at her appeal in the County Court of Victoria. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

The Melbourne woman also denied she gaslit people and caused those involved psychological harm and distress.

“You are the catfisher who created the deception around these people where they couldn’t live their lives anymore,” Ms Moran asked.

“No,” was the response.

One of the alleged victims took her own life.

Judge Claire Quin will hand down her decision in the appeal later this month.