Matteo Donald Blackman charged with stalking after allegedly sending threatening and explicit messages

Sitting in the prisoners dock, the Bowen man appeared to be in tears as police detailed details of unsolicited messages he allegedly sent.

A Whitsunday cleaner is facing a stalking charge after allegedly sending a former partner multiple unsolicited explicit messages. File photo

A Whitsunday cleaner accused of using multiple messaging platforms to send a woman explicit images and videos has been refused bail to protect his alleged victims.

Matteo Donald Blackman allegedly sent a woman multiple unsolicited text messages over several months containing threats to “murderise” her, as well as photographs of his penis, videos of himself masturbating, and videos of an unidentified man and woman having sex.

Proserpine Magistrates Court heard that when the woman blocked Blackman’s phone number, he allegedly switched to the app ‘Duo’ to continue to contact her against her wishes.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Emma Myors said the woman’s young child once answered a video call from Blackman.

Sgt Myors said Blackman was not a suitable candidate for bail as he had had failed to comply with probation conditions in the past, and police were concerned his latest alleged offending continued “even when he’s told to stop.”

“He admits that he sent those messages, we have proof of those messages, and the behaviour has escalated to the point he’s made threats to kill her,” Sgt Myors said.

“He uses different forums to access his victims, and the concern for police is that a child was exposed to the behaviour,” she said.

Solicitor Elizabeth Smith said strict bail conditions including that Blackman wear a GPS monitoring device, abstain from drugs and alcohol, abstain from using telecommunications devices, and not contact witnesses would mitigate any risks to an acceptable level.

Magistrate James Morton was unconvinced and formally refused bail, taking into account the alleged victims’ safety, the nature and seriousness of the alleged offences, and the “overwhelming” evidence against Blackman.

“This is continual offending with escalation, and your criminal history is very relevant,” Mr Morton said.

“If I released you, there’s an unacceptable risk you could commit further offending and endanger the safety and welfare of the victims.”

Blackman’s own safety was also a consideration, with Mr Morton highlighting concerning comments he had allegedly made to police regarding his mental health.

“You’ve threatened to poor petrol over yourself, you say you’ve attempted suicide by hanging, you’ve taken pills to overdose. You should stay in custody for your own protection,” Mr Morton said.

Blackman is charged with stalking and wilful damage (domestic violence offence). The charges relate to two female complainants.

All charges were adjourned to Bowen Magistrates Court later this month.

If you need support, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

Originally published as Matteo Donald Blackman charged with stalking after allegedly sending threatening and explicit messages