Man granted bail despite 350 emails and repeated surveillance of woman
Benjamin Kele, 45, was granted bail after sending 350 unwanted emails in 17 days and repeatedly driving past a woman's workplace.
Hamilton man Benjamin Kele appeared in Warrnambool Magistrates Court for harassing a woman despite court orders. Over 17 days, he sent her 350 long, graphic emails after she blocked his number.
Police say he repeatedly drove past her workplace, caught on security footage. Kele also ignored her attempts to stop contact.
Magistrate Simon Guthrie granted bail with strict conditions. Kele cannot leave Victoria.
He must observe an overnight curfew and be at his door during curfew hours. He must report to police twice a week and tell police about any address changes.
The magistrate warned him the maximum penalty for stalking is jail. Kele awaits sentencing on November 12 for breaching court orders and stalking.
- 350 in 17 days
- Emails sent in days
- 45 years old
- Kele's age
- Twice weekly, Mondays and Fridays
- Reporting frequency
- November 12
- Sentencing date
Why it mattersCourt-ordered conditions show the seriousness of harassment cases, but bail grants raise questions about enforcement when offenders repeatedly breach orders.
AustraliaVictoria's court system is testing its ability to protect harassment victims through bail conditions while managing repeat offenders.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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