Bryce James Streten: Man stalks mum with baby in Chinchilla Botanic Parkland ordeal

A FIFO worker who stalked a mum at a park while she carried her baby has told a court the confounding reason why he did it.

The Chinchilla Magistrates Court heard FIFO worker Bryce James Streten began stalking a mum at the Chinchilla Botanic Parkland. Picture: Supplied

A mum’s Friday afternoon catch up with a friend at the Chinchilla Botanic Parkland turned into a chilling affair when a strange man began to stalk her.

Chinchilla Magistrates Court heard FIFO worker Bryce James Streten started staring at the woman and walking around her car, where she was waiting with her baby on August 13.

Police prosecutor Chris Hutchins said the woman soon met up with her friend, who later tried to talk to the 23-year-old who was carrying a camera.

Sergeant Hutchins said Streten again began looking in and under the woman’s car as she was leaving, which frightened her enough that she locked the doors and took off.

“He followed her for a period of time,” he said.

“He said the reason he followed her was because he thought she was upset by his behaviour and he wanted to explain.

“There’s no suggestion what he did was nefarious, just that it was off behaviour that caused her fear … it was just strange and bizarre behaviour.”

Sergeant Hutchins said although it was a charge of stalking on the ‘lower end,’ a victim impact statement demonstrated the event had cause the woman anxiety and stress.

“A restraining order would give some comfort to the (mum),” he said.

Ms Hine said Streten pointed to a fight he had with his partner earlier that day, which led to him hanging out at the popular park.

Defence lawyer Jessica Hine said Streten has Asperger’s syndrome, which contributed to his unusual and socially unacceptable behaviour.

Magistrate Kerri O’Callaghan said based on a doctor’s submission she accepted Streten’s Asperger’s may have played a role in the crime.

“But I have to send a message to others that it’s not okay to put strangers or anyone else in that position where they are fearful,” she said.

Streten pleaded guilty to unlawful stalking and was placed on a good behaviour bond for six months.

A restraining order was also issued against the man which will expire on September 9, 2022.

No conviction was recorded.

Originally published as Bryce James Streten: Man stalks mum with baby in Chinchilla Botanic Parkland ordeal