Former Caloundra doctor granted bail over domestic violence charges

A former GP of a Sunshine Coast practice has made a bid for freedom after he allegedly harassed his ex-partner on social media amid a “stressful” relationship breakdown.

A Caloundra man has made a freedom bid in court over allegations he harassed his ex-partner online for two months. (Generic images).

A former Sunshine Coast doctor has been granted bail after he allegedly harassed his ex-partner over a two-month period amid a “stressful” relationship breakdown.

The 48-year-old Caloundra man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, applied for bail in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on February 14, where he appeared on videolink from the Maroochydore Watch House.

He faces 23 charges of contravening a domestic violence order and one charge of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence. He did not enter a plea.

The court was told the man had allegedly sent his ex-partner numerous emails and posted about her on social media for two months.

Police prosecutor Lee Allen said this behaviour meant the man posed a domestic violence risk which could escalate in the future, made worse by his alleged ongoing alcohol and drug misuse.

The victim felt he was “unhinged”, Sergeant Allan said.

The court was told the man was arrested at the Caloundra police station on February 8, and had spent six nights in the Maroochydore Watch House.

Defence lawyer Eleanor Lynch told the court his alleged actions were the result of his declining mental health and separation from his partner in 2022.

Maroochydore Courthouse. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Ms Lynch said the offending Facebook posts and emails were not threatening.

She said her client was a trained doctor but not registered at the time of his court appearance and is not allowed at the medical practice he owns.

He had stepped back from the business as the victim continued to work there, she told the court.

She said her client had been recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder following an involuntary treatment order to attend a mental health clinic.

“He has been receiving treatment in the community for many years, for his mental health he has had a psychiatrist 10 years (sic),” she said.

The court was told an affidavit alleged her client had self-prescribed medical marijuana for his mental health, but Ms Lynch said this was not true.

“The prescription has come from a treating practitioner,” she said.

A letter from one of the man’s employees described him as a “caring and generous boss”.

She had been helping him with admin tasks within the business as he continued to work through his mental health issues.

He was granted bail and will face the Ipswich Magistrates Court on February 22.

Originally published as Former Caloundra doctor granted bail over domestic violence charges