Judge Sentences David Wonnocott for Threatening Brittany Higgins and Spreading Anti-LGBT Content
In a significant ruling, David William Wonnocott has been sentenced to three years and two months in jail for threatening Brittany Higgins’s partner, David Sharaz, via Instagram, as well as issuing numerous other hate-filled messages directed at the LGBT community.
David Wonnocott has been jailed for threatening Brittany Higgins, her partner, and her dog. (AAP: Jason O’Brien)
Initial Threat and Escalation
The threat began in April 2022 when Wonnocott questioned Brittany Higgins’s claim that she was raped in Parliament House. Upon receiving a response from her partner, David Sharaz, Wonnocott openly stated his intention to visit them.
However, the judge emphasized that the most sinister aspect of Wonnocott’s actions was his subsequent death threats, detailed knowledge of the victims’ whereabouts, and the specific identification of their dog, aiming to make his threat more credible.
“It’s not sophisticated, but it’s revolting,”
Judge Pickering stated.
Significant Psychological Impact
The victims, David Sharaz and Brittany Higgins, were profoundly impacted by these threats. In a victim impact statement, Sharaz described feeling terrorized, altering their daily routines completely due to fear. They installed security measures and avoided outdoor activities with their dog.
David Sharaz says he and Ms Higgins were left terrified by the threats. (AAP: Richard Wainwright)
Previous Incidents of Online Abuse
This instance was not an isolated incident. Wonnocott has previously made offensive comments online about the Christchurch massacre in 2019. However, it was the specific threats to the Sharaz family and Higgins that landed him in severe legal trouble.
The court acknowledged several other offenses Wonnocott committed between July 2022 and February 2023, where he posted numerous inflammatory messages targeting the gay and transgender communities on Instagram and Facebook.
Judge’s Sentencing and Insights
Despite Wonnocott’s plea of guilty, the judge took into account his mental health, having been diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder, and the context of social isolation during the COVID pandemic. However, Judge Pickering questioned the sincerity of Wonnocott’s demonstrated remorse, given his “entrenched views” about the LGBT community.
The judge stated that Wonnocott had received warnings and opportunities for rehabilitation but escalated his behavior despite these, thus justifying a jail sentence.
“You may get leniency the first time, the second time, the third time, but after a while you won’t get it anymore.”
To reinforce social accountability, Judge Pickering highlighted the importance of not penalizing thoughts but rather actions that harm others.
Outcome and Future Implications
The sentence handed to Wonnocott includes a non-parole period of two years and four months, making him eligible for parole in June 2026. While acknowledging the victim’s courage and resilience, the judge’s ruling sends a clear message about the severity of online harassment and hate speech.
For Wonnocott, the verdict brings closure to years of intimidation and fear for the Higgins and Sharaz families. It also serves as a cautionary tale on the long-term consequences of intolerant online behavior.
By receiving this sentence, the judge sends a strong message regarding the safeguarding of public safety and respect for all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
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