A court has heard disturbing allegations of predatory behaviour towards a teenage schoolgirl as a central Victorian man was denied bail on stalking charges.
Kenneth Symons, 64, fronted the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Thursday charged with stalking a 31-year-old woman and 15-year-old girl.
Police allege the man from Eaglehawk stalked the 31-year-old for at least 12 months, following her to her workplace and home, and taking photos of her.
He also allegedly drove past a school several times a day on numerous occasions over five months from July this year while allegedly stalking the 15-year-old.
Police told the court he parked outside the school "appearing to take photos" of schoolgirls and "playing with his lap".
Police said they later seized a machete, shovel, disposable camera, gloves and "sticky" rags from his car.
A folder of photos of the 31-year-old woman walking her dog was also allegedly found inside his home.
Mr Symons has not yet entered a plea.
Unanswered calls
Detective Senior Constable Daniel Vear told the court the 31-year-old woman went to police after seeing Mr Symons parked outside her house and workplace.
She was allegedly turned away from the Bendigo Police Station and went to another police station in an attempt to report the behaviour.
The court heard Mr Symons allegedly drove past the 15-year-old girl several times one day while she was outside the school, before he came to a stop where she was standing.
Police said the teenager called triple zero and waited for police, who did not arrive within 20 minutes.
She then contacted her friend's father to pick her up.
The court also heard the teenager allegedly spotted Mr Symons at her workplace and in a shopping centre car park.
Senior Constable Vear said police warned Mr Symons on October 28 to stay away from the school but did not take him into custody or charge him at that time.
The assistant principal of the school called police after he was allegedly seen driving past four times, with his behaviour reported to the school by three students.
Fears of abduction
Magistrate Trieu Huynh denied Mr Symons bail and said it was "very concerning behaviour against multiple complainants".
"He's been told clearly by police about the consequences and it made no difference," Magistrate Huynh said.
In the police summary, which was read out in court, the teenage girl told police she felt "frozen in fear" every time a car drove past
She also said she was terrified Mr Symons would abduct and rape her "like in a horror movie".
It was understood Mr Symons told police the rags found in his car were to wipe dew from his vehicle, but he could not provide an excuse as to why he had the other objects in his car.
Police told the court they were continuing to investigate the matter.
Mr Symons is scheduled to return to court on November 29.
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