Robert Albert Leonard Bauer: More than 200 online messages sent to wife following restraining order

A man who stalked and sent more than 200 unwanted online messages to his wife within a four-month period and claimed he would “never let her go” has received a suspended sentence. Robert Albert Leonard Bauer, 41, appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court from Greenough Regional Prison on Monday to be sentenced for persistent family violence, aggravated stalking and 27 counts of breaching a family violence restraining order. He had pleaded guilty on all counts. The court was told Bauer was served a temporary protection order in Queensland in 2022 but went on to pursue and “intimidate” his wife through Facebook Messenger and texts between December, 2022 and April 2023. Bauer sent 128 unwanted Facebook messages and 83 text messages to the victim, who the court was told constantly asked him to “stop messaging” and to “leave her alone”. The messages said he loved and missed her, and in some, he told the victim “they’re married and he will never let her go”. Police prosecutor Sgt Carey Owen said the messages caused the woman to become scared and fearful, which led her to be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Sgt Owen said when police reminded Bauer of the restraining order, he said he “didn’t give a f...” and was a piece of paper that meant nothing to him. Defence lawyer Kate Fry said Bauer stopped contacting the woman months before he was arrested and was unaware of the police investigation. She said Bauer had reflected on his behaviour and was aware he did the wrong thing. She noted Bauer had been in custody since September. Magistrate Angus Hockton said he took into account Bauer suffered from PTSD himself and continued to work in the community despite injuries. He also noted his time in custody. Bauer was sentenced to nine months jail suspended for 12 months. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)