‘Obsessed’: police charge alleged Erin Molan harasser

Man now subject of AVO after alleged ‘barrage’ of sexualised and graphic messages to ‘terrified’ sports commentator.

Channel 9 sports commentator Erin Molan. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Police have taken out an apprehended violence order and charged a man who has allegedly sent sexualised and graphic messages to Channel 9 sports commentator Erin Molan.

Last month police charged Nathan Tanner with using a carriage service to menace, harass and offend.

A source close to the investigation told The Australian Tanner had been “obsessed” with Molan for around five years and has previously been warned by police about his behaviour after “breaking into” 2GB’s Pyrmont studios. He has been found lurking outside Channel 9.

“He rocks up in person at places, that’s the most frightening part,” a source close to the investigation said.

The 38-year-old television personality is understood to be “terrified” and is scared of entering car parks alone with her daughter.

“He’s very unwell but they’re often the most dangerous,” the source said.

“The fact that police have spoken to him now on two occasions, really seriously warned him and it hasn’t stopped him or scared him is what’s quite scary as well.”

The Australian understands police took swift action after Tanner’s contact with Molan became more intensified following the announcement of her separation from homicide Detective Sean Ogilvy, with Tanner sending a constant “barrage” of sexualised and graphic messages, including that he “loves” and “needs to be” with Molan.

It is understood Tanner would watch a live stream of the 2GB radio studios and would also send graphic comments about what Ms Molan was wearing.

When contacted by The Australian, Ms Molan declined to comment.

The 26-year-old Doonside man was released on strict bail on November 29 and is banned from approaching or contacting Ms Molan in any way. His bail conditions prevent him from going within 500 meters where Ms Molan lives or works.

An interim apprehended violence order states Tanner must not, assault, threaten, stalk, harass or intimidate Molan, or destroy any of her property, and he must not approach or contact her in any way.

The order also states he is prohibited from going within 50 meters of the 2GB Studio in Pyrmont, Channel 9 Studios in North Sydney or any other broadcasting facility where Molan may frequent.

Tanner, a warehouse worker at Kmart, has dozens of historical posts on Instagram dedicated to Ms Molan and the NRL Footy Show.

While more recent messages appear to have been removed, in 2016 he posted a photograph of himself with the 38-year-old.

“Met this beautiful woman, was really polite and incredibly beautiful, I’ve admired her since Late mail and, I’m the one that is lucky ️ … Hopefully we can have that coffee soon,” he wrote.

Other posts in 2016 and 2017 profess his love for her, uploading multiple portrait drawings of her, and images that appear to be flowers and various birthday messages dedicated to her.

“When answers always seem to be to (sic) hard to find just smile and hide your sad eyes #erin_molan in your case show both because they both make me happy … you have the sexiest features I ever seen.

Other messages are more graphic.

Tanner will face Blacktown Local Court on December 16.