Man who threatened politicians online long sought care for autism, court told

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5 hours ago

A man who bombarded politicians with "extraordinary" threats and antisemitic messages was desperate for help and support for autism, his lawyers say.
The Melbourne man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, formally pleaded guilty to sending threats to federal Liberal MP Julian Leeser and Victorian Labor MP Gabrielle Williams.
The 33-year-old was charged after his home was raided by counterterrorism officers from the Australian Federal Police's (AFP) Special Operation Avalite on February 6.
Police alleged he sent death threats and antisemitic messages to Mr Leeser, who is Jewish and represents the seat of Berowra in northern Sydney.
The 33-year-old also twice sent "a threatening email via an online contact form" to Ms Williams, Victoria's transport minister, according to charge sheets.
The incidents took place between January 13 and 31.
On Tuesday, the man faced the Assessment and Referral Court in Melbourne, a jurisdiction of the magistrates' court that sees people who have underlying factors that contribute to their offending behaviours, such as autism.
Details of the man's offending were not aired before Magistrate Vincent Caltabiano, however earlier this year another magistrate, Brett Sonnet, described the messages sent to the politicians as "extraordinary communications".
On Tuesday, the court heard the man had agreed to a support plan and had been attending weekly appointments.
"It's stuff I've needed for years," he told Magistrate Caltabiano.
"It's bizarre it had to come this far.
"Even if I do work, I can't afford rent and bills and a psychologist and food."
Defence lawyer Jackson McLeod said his client had been "banging his head against a brick wall" trying to get support.
"In a sense, it's coming too late," Mr McLeod said.
Magistrate Caltabiano, who is yet to sentence the man, extended his bail until September.
The offices of Mr Leeser and Ms Williams have been contacted for comment.
During Tuesday's hearing, the man was repeatedly told by the magistrate to mind his language.
While leaving the court precinct, he stuck his middle finger up at reporters and swore at them.
In April, the man's legal team told the court he had been diagnosed with autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disability that affects the way people communicate and interact with others.
Amaze, the Victorian peak body for people with autism, said at least one per cent of the population lives with the disorder.
Previously, the man's legal team successfully applied for a suppression order preventing publication of his name until the end of the case, arguing his mental health would be in danger if his name was released to the media.
During April's hearing, Magistrate Sonnet told the man that the suppression order would eventually be lifted.
"These types of offences are becoming more prevalent and they're not uncommon," he said.
"Threats and these types of communications are often received by politicians."
The AFP said threats increased by 42 per cent in 2023-24 on the previous year, with more than 1000 reports of nuisance, harassment, and threatening communications.
In a submission to the federal government last year, Amaze's chief executive David Tonge said there was evidence problematic internet use may be more prevalent in autistic people, but more research was needed.
"There is also evidence that neurodivergent young people, including autistic young people, may be more involved in cyberbullying (as victims and perpetrators) compared to their typically developing peers," he wrote.
"While best practice is yet to be established on how to best protect autistic people online, a multifaceted approach is clearly required.
"It must include targeted information and resources for autistic people and their parents and carers (and for students and their teachers), as well as online safety mechanisms and regulatory measures."