Man who stalked radio queen Jackie O Henderson, bombarding her with 2000 Insta messages learns fate in court
A mentally ill man who stalked radio queen Jackie O Henderson and bombarded her with up to 2,000 Instagram messages will remain behind bars for at least another three months.
David Gourlay, 38, was arrested in Sydney’s east in July following his crush on Henderson and sending her between one and two thousand direct messages, according to court documents.
Once, he sent flowers to her home.
Gourlay was released from custody through AVL at Downing Center Local Court on Wednesday, where he was sentenced to 16 months in prison with a non-parole period of eight months.
His sentence will be postponed until July 4, so he will be eligible for parole on March 3, 2026.
The court was told the 38-year-old had a “delusional relationship” with the radio presenter.
The court was also told Gourlay had a history of mental health problems and was suffering from delusions at the time of the offending.
His lawyer, Trudie Cameron, said Gourlay was a “productive member of society” while on medication and doing well, but said he was struggling with a significant mental health issue.
He was diagnosed with bipolar and schizoaffective disorder, the court was told.
Ms Cameron explained Gourlay was not taking his medication at the time of the crime and a psychiatrist found “a direct link between his mental health and the crime”.
Ms Cameron said Gourlay had a good chance of rehabilitation with a treatment plan and was genuinely remorseful.
Police launched an investigation following a complaint from Ms Henderson in July.
According to court documents, Gourlay, who was delusional at the time, sent the radio host sensational messages detailing his sexual fantasies over a five-month period.
Some of the messages contained personal details about Henderson and his family.
She also wrote that she believed she and the radio host had a child together.
“I’m not giving up on us,” Gourlay told Henderson in a message on July 3, and sent flowers to her home in the eastern suburbs later that day.
Henderson reported the matter to the police and the next day Gourlay was arrested while sitting on a bench outside his home.
He was taken to Prince of Wales Hospital for a mental health assessment and later charged by police.
He pleaded guilty in October to stalking and using a transport service to threaten. to harass or offend.
He was also issued a five-year battery arrest warrant prohibiting him from approaching or contacting Henderson.
news.com.au mental health helplines
