Luke Challenor arrested, charged with stalking and meth possession

A court has heard how a man who was allegedly in possession of a sizeable amount of meth had stalked a nearby resident over more than two weeks.

Luke Challenor was released from the Maroochydore watch-house this week. Picture: Patrick Woods

A Nambour man has been arrested for allegedly stalking his neighbour and being found with a large amount of methamphetamine.

Luke Challenor was hauled into custody on Sunday after police allege he stalked the woman between April 25 and May 11 before he was found with a large amount of ice.

He was charged with unlawful stalking, possessing dangerous drugs over the schedule and trespass and refused police bail before he appeared in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday. No pleas have been entered.

Police prosecutor Mel Pyke alleged Challenor’s offending involved “persistently attending” the home of a nearby resident who he wanted a relationship with.

Sergeant Pyke said it will be alleged the 41-year-old “simply keeps turning up” even though the woman does not want him there. The police prosecutor alleged officers also warned Challenor not to go to that home.

She said the Nambour man posed a risk of continuing to commit offences and endangering the alleged victim. Sergeant Pyke also claimed Challenor must have “some kind of drug addiction” due to the 6.8g of meth allegedly found on him.

Challenor after being granted bail this week. Picture: Patrick Woods

The police prosecutor said these risks could be ameliorated if he had another place to live.

Duty solicitor Michael Robinson agreed and said Challenor could live at his parent’s home who had cut their caravan trip around Australia short when they were notified of their son’s arrest.

Mr Robinson said Challenor’s parents made it as far as Tiaro when they were contacted by the solicitor on Monday.

He stated the 41-year-old could live with them in Maroochydore to allow him to be released on bail, with the court hearing he had limited criminal history.

Magistrate Anna Smith said it was alleged Challenor stalked the woman “on a number of occasions” but was satisfied there were bail conditions which could reduce risk.

She granted him bail on conditions which included living in Maroochydore, abiding by a curfew, reporting to police once a week, not drinking alcohol or using drugs and not contacting the alleged victim.

His matters will return to court on June 9.

Originally published as Luke Challenor arrested, charged with stalking and meth possession