A man has admitted to firearm and harassment charges following an Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation into emails sent to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Jaryd Stevens, 29, made a brief appearance in Tamworth Local Court this week, where his solicitor Andrew O'Halloran said his client was ready to enter pleas after the AFP raided a Tamworth home on November 15.
Stevens pleaded guilty "to the elements" of charges of using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend, and possessing an unauthorised prohibited firearm when police went knocking.
Mr O'Halloran said his client's matter involved emails sent to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
He told Magistrate Kirralee Perry his client had been experiencing health issues and was going through a "dark stage of his life" when the offences were committed.
The court heard Stevens was now receiving treatment.
"I'm waiting on medical reports from [treating specialists] and his general practitioner," Mr O'Halloran said.
"[My client] has also joined an alcohol rehabilitation program."
Mr O'Halloran asked Ms Perry for an adjournment, noting the number of health reports to be generated in relation to the matter would take some time.
The solicitor said that depending on the outcome of the reports, there was potential he may seek to divert the matter away from the criminal system.
"I need the medical reports to make that decision," Mr O'Halloran said.
"But it may well end there."
The court heard the defence and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had "reached agreement", and agreed facts had been tendered to the court ahead of sentencing.
Ms Perry granted the adjournment, listing the charges for sentence in April.
An additional three counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend; one count of failing to keep a firearm safely; and one count of acquiring ammunition for a firearm without a licence or permit were withdrawn by the DPP in February with no pleas recorded.
The AFP set up National Security Investigation teams in September 2025 to target groups and individuals allegedly causing high levels of harm to Australia's social cohesion, including the targeting of federal parliamentarians.
On November 15, the AFP travelled to Tamworth where they executed a search warrant at a Tamworth home.
Officers seized a gel blaster rifle during the operation. Stevens was then issued a notice to appear in court on the charges.
Emma Downey
Northern Daily Leader senior journalist and court reporter
