Woman charged with stalking after allegedly spreading lies about husband

Police allege since 2018, Maryanne Harrison has contacted government agencies, including Victoria Police, the Sexual Offences and Child Investigation Team, Department of Health and Human Services and the federal member for Ballarat, daily, to make false reports against her husband.

In Harrison's alleged false reports, she states her partner has been violently and sexually assaulting her and their two children, using illicit drugs and is mentally unwell.

Police investigations found the offences were unsubstantiated and Harrison allegedly made the false reports against her partner to "discredit his reputation and damage his mental health".

Police say all of the organisations Harrison has allegedly made persistent contact with have been forced to place her onto a management plan.

The 53-year-old woman applied to be released on bail at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Friday, three days after she was arrested and charged with 16 offences.

One charge states between February 1 and March 9, Harrison stalked her partner by sending more than 39 emails and phone calls to government organisations attempting to locate and control the victim, with the intention of causing physical or mental harm.

Police informant First Constable Rachelle Cahill said Harrison's latest offending occurred between December and March.

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She said between December 9 and February 16, Harrison made 12 phone calls to triple zero requesting Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria's help.

She allegedly requested police conduct a welfare check on her partner and children, stating she believed her partner had mental health issues.

"It is believed that by requesting the welfare check on that address, the accused is attempting to locate the (victim)," First Constable Cahill said.

She said between February 4 and March 9, Harrison emailed various organisations, including Victoria Police, DHHS, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and the victim's solicitor on 28 occasions.

In the emails the accused has described how the (victim) has been abusive towards her and her children via both emotional and physical trauma," First Constable Cahill said.

"The accused has gone into detail in each email stating that the (victim) is mentally unwell and should be treated for his mental health issues."

First Constable Cahill said in one email, Harrison stated her partner had assaulted their son to a point he had memory failure.

She said in another email, Harrison stated her husband assaulted his son until a bone was protruding through his arm pit and sticking out of his back.

"Through all occasions where the accused has contacted government agencies, she has attempted to smear the (victim's) ability to parent competently, often making references to his mental state, drug use and constant assault be it sexual or violent in nature," First Constable Cahill said.

"All criminal investigations alleged by the accused have been investigated thoroughly by Victoria Police however no offences have been proven. The constant reports, phone calls and emails received by government agencies have provided undue stress on all members involved, with complaints against police arising from many of these reports.

"The persistent false reports made by the accused are also causing emotional and physiological trauma to the (victim) and his two children."

First Constable Cahill said there were 27 charges pending against Harrison.

The court was told Harrison was an involuntary patient at psychiatric services but she refused all medical treatment and was released. She is waiting a community treatment order.

Police opposed Harrison's application for bail, saying she was an unacceptable risk of re-offending.

Defence lawyer Adrian Paull provided detailed written submissions to the court but he said his client did not have a criminal history, she had a static address and the prosecution case was weak.

He said contacting the agencies was due to a person was raising their concern of another person, which they believed should be brought to attention.

"Has she gone too far? Police think so and they have charged her," Mr Paull said.

Magistrate Noreen Toohey said it was unlikely Harrison would be sentenced to imprisonment and risks could be ameliorated with bail conditions.

She said she was particularly concerned about Harrison's mental health and three days in custody had had a salutary affect on her.

Harrison was bailed with conditions, including not to contact a Victoria Police member except for her case manager and not to use email or electronic communications to any other person other than her lawyer.

She will return to court in May.

Harrison and her husband had been in a relationship for 20 years until they separated last year.

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