Theo Onoufriou has been granted bail after appearing in Southport Magistrates Court over allegations he peered into a Surfers Paradise woman’s home in the early hours of May 16.
The 48-year-old Clear Island Waters man was arrested by Criminal Investigation Branch officers and charged with observations in breach of privacy following an alleged incident at a Watson Esp residential complex.
Court documents allege Onoufriou was seen outside the woman’s window in circumstances where she was entitled to expect privacy. Police allege the woman heard a noise, discovered a man outside her window, and screamed out, at which point he pulled his pants up and fled into the darkness.
Magistrate Jane Bentley described the alleged conduct as “concerning behaviour.”
Defence lawyer Harry Gambling did not dispute that characterisation but argued that even at its highest, any conviction was unlikely to result in actual custody, and that Onoufriou had already spent sufficient time in custody.
The defence also challenged the strength of the identification evidence, noting discrepancies between the complainant’s description and Onoufriou’s appearance.
The complainant described a man of proportionate build with short, curly hair, while the defence said Onoufriou is “heavy-set and largely bald.”
Magistrate Bentley noted identification was a “live issue” in the case and agreed strict bail conditions could address risk concerns.
Bail was granted requiring Onoufriou to reside at his Clear Island Waters address, have no contact with the complainant, and report to police weekly.
The matter was adjourned to June 9 and will be heard alongside separate charges of possessing cocaine, possessing drug utensils, and breaching bail.
Source: Gold Coast Bulletin.
