Surry Hills Police Charge Man Over Offensive Emails to Alex Greenwich

A 69-year-old man has been charged after an investigation by Surry Hills Police into offensive emails sent to NSW state MP Alex Greenwich.

The investigation began after Mr. Greenwich reported receiving six troubling emails earlier this week, prompting police to arrest the man on Tuesday.

Surry Hills Police Charge Man — *Manly Police Station*
Photo Credit: *Google Maps*

Man Arrested by Surry Hills Police Following Offensive Email Campaign

The man, initially detained at Dee Why Police Station, was later transferred to Manly Police Station, where he was formally indicted. “He was taken to Manly police station where he was charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend,” NSW Police spokeswoman said.

Court Appearance Expected for Man Charged

Granted conditional bail, the man will face court in Manly Local Court next Tuesday. The case will also include discussions about a preliminary apprehended violence order (AVO) designed to protect Mr. Greenwich from further harassment.

In addition, the man has filed a separate request with NSW Police for the “return of seized things,” which will be addressed in court on the same day.

Previous Harassment Incidents Add to the Case Against Alex Greenwich

This charge is the latest in a series of harassment incidents against Alex Greenwich, with a similar situation arising in 2024 when a 71-year-old man was convicted for sending homophobic hate mail to the MP.

During that time, Michael Deane’s lawyer characterized her client’s actions in sending Mr. Greenwich letters containing homophobic insults and a mention of AIDS as “trolling.” However, Magistrate Brett Shields at Downing Centre Local Court dismissed the claim.

Deane’s letter was later cited in Mr Greenwich’s successful defamation case against fellow NSW MP Mark Latham over a homophobic tweet that crudely depicted a gay sex act. Mr Greenwich’s lawyer told the Federal Court that Latham’s tweet led to a wave of homophobic abuse directed at the MP.

The retired man was sentenced to a two-year community corrections order in July 2024.

Published 27-Jan-2025