CCTV footage has captured the moment an accused police stalker allegedly followed a former friend at a work event in Perth. Gailene Hamilton, 43, appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Monday facing charges of stalking and breaching a violence restraining order.
Incident Details
The footage, played in court, shows Hamilton following the woman at a work function in the Perth CBD in October last year. The woman, who cannot be named, told the court she felt 'extremely uncomfortable' and 'scared' when she realised Hamilton was at the same event.
Hamilton, a former police officer, is accused of stalking the woman between August and October 2021. She is also charged with breaching a violence restraining order that was taken out by the woman in September.
Court Proceedings
During the hearing, Magistrate Elizabeth Woods granted Hamilton bail but imposed strict conditions, including that she not contact the woman or attend any events where the woman is present. Hamilton is also required to report to police three times a week.
The court heard that Hamilton had previously worked with the woman at the Western Australian Police Force. The pair had been friends for several years before the alleged stalking began.
Hamilton's lawyer, Tom Percy, told the court that his client denies the allegations and that she was at the work event for legitimate reasons. He said Hamilton had been invited to the event by a mutual friend and had not intended to cause any distress.
However, Magistrate Woods noted that Hamilton had been warned by police not to attend the event but did so anyway. 'She was specifically told not to go there,' the magistrate said.
Charges and Next Hearing
Hamilton faces one count of stalking and two counts of breaching a violence restraining order. The matter was adjourned to March 28 for a further hearing.
Outside court, the woman's lawyer said his client was relieved that Hamilton had been granted bail with strict conditions but remained concerned for her safety. 'She just wants to be able to go about her daily life without fear,' he said.
The case has attracted significant attention due to Hamilton's former role as a police officer. The Western Australian Police Force has declined to comment on the matter.
