A decorated diplomat will fight an allegation he hid in bushes outside an Ainslie home and masturbated as he watched a woman sleep.
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Neal Kretschmann, 36, pleaded not guilty in the ACT Magistrates Court on Tuesday to one count of stalking. His barrister, John Masters, described Mr Kretschmann as a man of "high regard" who held a "position of considerable trust" with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Mr Kretschmann's LinkedIn profile in April said he was an executive officer at the department. It said he had postings at the Australian Embassy in Kabul and served as first secretary for the Australian High Commission in Dhaka. The LinkedIn profile appears to have since been deleted.
"[Mr Kretschmann] is a man with an impeccable past," Mr Masters said on Tuesday.
"He holds a position where he's got a lot of awards, medals, and whatnot."
Police allege between January 11 and March 26, Mr Kretschmann visited an Ainslie woman's home eight times, mostly during the late evening. Police documents tendered to the court said he often hid in bushes outside the home and looked into the woman's bedroom window.
On one occasion, it's alleged she woke about 1.50am to see Mr Kretschmann staring at her from outside her bedroom window, where he appeared to be masturbating.
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At Mr Kretschmann's last court appearance, Magistrate Glenn Theakston noted the diplomat was accused of behaviour the prosecution described as "obsessive and creepy".
Mr Masters described the bail condition as "draconian" and unnecessary, and said Mr Kretschmann would eventually need to travel interstate via Canberra's northside. He said Mr Kretschmann was due to take up a new posting for work later this year.
Prosecutor Claire Daly disputed the proposal to allow Mr Kretschmann to travel to Canberra's northside, except to Ainslie, for any reason. She said the diplomat was accused of "extremely disturbing" conduct.
Magistrate James Lawton amended Mr Kretschmann's bail to allow him to travel to Canberra's northside, except for Ainslie. Mr Kretschmann is next due in court on June 30.
Cassandra Morgan
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
