Qld: He didn't fear me, says accused stalker mum

AAP General News (Australia)
04-28-2006
Qld: He didn't fear me, says accused stalker mum

By Suzanne Klotz

BRISBANE, April 28 AAP - A woman allegedly infatuated with her daughter's school principal
has told a Brisbane court she is not guilty of stalking him because he did not fear her.

Catherine Elizabeth Gunn, 38, has pleaded not guilty to stalking Alan Raymond Brook
between October 31, 2003, and December, 15, 2004.

Gunn's daughter attended Milton State School in Brisbane's inner west where Mr Brooks
was principal.

Brisbane District Court has been told Gunn sent various letters and cards to Mr Brooks
- some simply about her daughter's schooling but others of a romantic or sexually explicit
nature.

Gunn, who is representing herself, told the jury in her closing address today that
under stalking laws, her behaviour was required to give Mr Brooks feelings of apprehension
or fear of violence and this was not the case.

"While he was here (giving evidence), he did not speak of being apprehensive or fearful
and nor did he look that way while sitting a few metres away from me," Gunn argued.

Gunn's overtures were not reciprocated by Mr Brooks and he called the police after
Gunn sent a seven-page letter to his wife at their home.

Judge Kerry O'Brien will send the jury out to consider their verdict on Tuesday.

AAP smk/sc/lb/bwl

KEYWORD: GUNN (FILE PIX AVAILABLE)

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