Stuart Parsonage: Geraldton police officer accused of unlawful computer, surveillance use — no show in court

A Geraldton police officer charged with a series of offences over the alleged unlawful use of computers and surveillance devices has been a no show in court for medical reasons. Stuart Parsonage, a 46-year-old senior constable, had his first appearance in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Friday on six charges — three counts of unlawful use of a computer, two counts of unlawful install optical surveillance device and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition. While he did not appear in court, Mr Parsonage was represented by lawyer George Giudice and a medical certificate was presented to Magistrate Matthew Walton to explain his absence. It is understood the computer charges relate to Mr Parsonage’s workplace, while the other charges allegedly occurred at a private residence in Sunset Beach. According to the court list, the computer-related charges allegedly occurred on April 28, August 25 and September 1 last year. The optical surveillance device charges allegedly took place on two occasions — once between February 5 to 14, 2024 and secondly between December 6 and 11, 2024. The magistrate extended Mr Parsonage’s bail under the same terms and adjourned his case to April 2. A WA Police spokesperson said the officer had been stood down from all duties pending the outcome of this case. The investigation into Mr Parsonage’s alleged online activity is ongoing. Mr Parsonage was charged by sex crime division officers on February 6.