Kate Ritchie calls cops on Perth stalker after months of online harassment and attempts to track her down
Former Home and Away star Kate Ritchie was forced to call the police on a stalker who flew interstate on a mission to track her down.
According to The Daily Telegraph, 65-year-old Gerard Ryan was banned from contacting or approaching the Aussie actress by Waverley Local Court after repeat harassment beginning in 2023.
What initially started as adoring comments on Ritchie’s Facebook page evolved into sexually driven harassment from Mr Ryan.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.An early post read: “Hello Kate … I love you so much”.
“I just want to kiss you my heart is pounding for you I love you madly,” said another.
The Court heard when Ritchie chose not to respond to her stalker’s comments, Mr Ryan began sending private messages to the star on social media of a sexual nature.
Following months of harassment, Ritchie then requested police intervention when Mr Ryan sent her a message advising he was in the star’s suburb and hopeful of tracking her down.
The Perth resident had reportedly flown to Sydney for the Golden Slipper horse racing event and Royal Easter Show.
Mr Ryan was arrested on Wednesday and charged with stalking.
Following a guilty plea, he was sentenced to a 12-month Conditional Release Order.
Mr Ryan is banned from contacting Ritchie for two years, as well as going within 500m of her home and workplace, due to an Apprehended Violence Order.
A statement by NOVA Entertainment expressed concern for the star’s safety.
It read: “We are aware that an apprehended personal violence order was made by Waverley Local Court in favour of Kate Ritchie following an application submitted by NSW Police.
“The safety and wellbeing of Kate and everyone at NOVA Entertainment remains paramount. We will not be making any further comment at this time.”
