Scott Lacey charged for stalking Qld police officer in Mackay

A Queensland Police officer who moved into a new unit soon became fearful of a neighbour who began waiting for her after work, rattling her security door, and leaving her a strange note.

A Mackay man began stalking a woman who moved into his unit complex, despite her being a Queensland police officer. Photo: Zizi Averill

A Mackay man began stalking a woman who moved into his unit complex, despite her being a Queensland Police officer.

Scott Lacey pleaded guilty to unlawful stalking after his behaviour escalated from what prosecution described as a “neighbourly introduction” to something “fearful”.

Prosecutor Leonie Taufa’ao said while the 53 year old’s conduct was over a short period of time from February 5 to 12, it began “effectively the day she moved in”.

“What she had thought was a neighbourly introduction, under her impression then escalated to something where she felt fearful,” Ms Taufa’ao said.

“(On February 12,) she’s (headed) home and found him there at the fenceline waving at her.

“She’s then closing her blinds … but then she can hear her security door being rattled, and she calls triple-0.”

Ms Taufa’ao said Lacey’s behaviour became truly concerning from February 11, when the victim told him she was not interested and had a partner.

Despite this, the court heard he then left her a note saying “Dear beautiful, I just wanted to share a little bit about my own spiritual journey in case it would be of interest or help to you”.

Ms Taufa’ao said Lacey was arrested after the victim heard him rattling her door, and he made admissions to police about sexual acts regarding the victim while he was alone and had returned to his unit.

Duty lawyer Geoff Govey said his client had no criminal history and his behaviour was “neighbourly” until the 11th.

The court heard Lacey had his own software business and attended the Baptist church, having moved to Mackay about 18 months ago.

“As a practising Christian, he didn’t want to inflict himself upon anyone,” Mr Govey said.

“(He’s) extremely sorry and remorseful that he’s caused her angst.”

Mr Govey agreed with Ms Taufa’ao’s suggestion that a restraining order would be appropriate, but argued that a fine, rather than probation, would suit someone without any criminal history.

Judge Stephen Bryce said he would not record convictions for Lacey, per Mr Govey’s submission, but said it was “a privilege that you will not get a second time”.

Lacey was sentenced to nine months probation, with a one year restraining order barring him from contacting the victim or being within 100m of the victim, her home, or her workplace.

Originally published as Scott Lacey charged for stalking Qld police officer in Mackay