Council worker loses job over harassment

Unfounded jealousy has cost a senior local government officer his job and almost $4000 in fines, court costs and reparation.

Hawera District Court was told yesterday former South Taranaki District Council corporate services group manager Graham Young hand-delivered pornographic magazines and abusive notes to a co-worker's house.

He resigned his job after he was arrested earlier this month on charges of breaching the Postal Act and criminal harassment, the Taranaki Daily News reported.

The 44-year-old Hawera man pleaded guilty to the charges.

Police prosecutor Steve Michael said that pornographic gay magazines were posted and some were hand-delivered to the co-worker's house.

Defence lawyer Patrick Mooney said Young had had a close relationship with a woman workmate but it came to an end. Young observed a relationship between her and the victim and as his suspicions grew, so did his jealousy.

"There was no foundation for his suspicion, he realises that now," Mr Mooney told the court.

Mr Michael said that on May 1 the victim's wife received a letter addressed to her made from words cut out of a newspaper, causing her and her husband to fear for their safety.

On the Postal Act breach Judge Roberts fined Young $500 and $130 court costs. For the charge of criminal harassment, Young was fined $1000 and $130 court costs. Judge Roberts also ordered Young to pay $2000 to his victims.

- NZPA

NZS