Doctor admits to harassing ex-Tinder date after allegedly sending 9000 texts
Margaret Scheikowski
AAPOCTOBER 28, 20196:19PM
Doctor admits to harassing ex-Tinder date after allegedly sending 9000 texts. Picture: Monique Harmer.Source:News Corp Australia
A scorned Sydney doctor accused of sending thousands of messages to her former Tinder date and his loved ones has pleaded guilty to four harassment-related offences.
Denise Jane Lee was due to face a five-day hearing at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Monday, but admitted four of 10 charges after hours of negotiations between her lawyer and the prosecutor.
The 40-year-old radiologist, who was arrested in February 2017, pleaded guilty to three counts of using a carriage service to harass or menace or offend and one count of intimidation.
Denise Lee leaves the Downing Centre Courts in Sydney. Picture: Peter Rae/AAPSource:AAP
Police prosecutor Amin Assaad withdrew the remaining six charges of using a carriage service, intimidation and contravening an AVO.
Lee was accused of becoming obsessive and sending thousands of abusive and threatening texts and emails to Matthew Holberton, his new girlfriend and their family members.
Police previously alleged Lee and Mr Holberton had four dinner dates between July and September 2015 and two sexual encounters before he broke off the relationship and moved to Melbourne.
Matthew Holberton was allegedly send thousands of texts from Ms Lee. Picture: Peter Rae/AAPSource:AAP
Magistrate Michael Barko earlier in October refused a defence application for the charges to be dismissed on mental health grounds.
He referred to five volumes of folders containing the 9000 messages said to have been sent by Lee.
The parties told the magistrate on Monday they will now prepare an agreed statement of facts.
Mr Barko adjourned the case for a directions hearing on Tuesday.