The man who allegedly made several threatening social media posts towards Gosford MP Liesl Tesch has been banned from entering the suburb except to attend court.
The person behind the alleged online threats is 43-year-old Christopher Mark Whitty, an unemployed man who lives at home with his 74-year-old father at Tascott.
Whitty was granted bail under strict conditions on Thursday, with Judge Lisa Viney ordering Whitty to remain at home 24 hours a day unless in the company of his father.
"Mr Whitty has an allegation of making serious threats over social media to a member of parliament," Judge Viney said.
"They're threats of violence, which is concerning given he was on conditional liberty at the time by way of community corrections orders.
"The risks are committing a serious offence, endangering the victim and individuals in the community."
Police allege Whitty made a number of posts online towards Ms Tesch, including threats of violence, threats to damage property and statements indicating he intended to find her in public and harm her.
In a statement on Thursday evening, Ms Tesch described it as "sad" that the community continued to see "individuals using social media platforms to cause significant harm to many people".
"Since my election in 2017, I have worked day and night to represent the people of our community," she said.
"When I was elected, I was aware that there would be people that disagree with me - robust debate is an important part of our democracy."
"This behaviour impacts young people in schools, community members and advocates, and those who seek public office, sadly being a disincentive for those who offer to work to improve our community."
"Sadly, this behaviour can discourage constructive community discussion and create an environment where fear and hostility outweigh respectful debate."
Brisbane Water Police District officers launched an investigation into the alleged posts and arrested Whitty at Tascott about 8pm on Wednesday.
Whitty has been charged with using a carriage service to threaten serious harm. The alleged threats were posted to Facebook.
The court heard Whitty was already on a community corrections order imposed in August 2025 for a similar offence.
Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) solicitor Nadia Deeb said despite holding concerns Whitty may endanger the alleged victim, she did not oppose bail.
"We do have particular bail concerns but we don't say at this point they are unacceptable risks," Ms Deeb said.
"There are particular conditions we would be seeking to mitigate those bail concerns."
Whitty's lawyer David Clarke agreed to the CDPP's proposed bail conditions, and offered up further conditions including getting a mental health plan from his GP, a $1000 surety and to not drink or take drugs while on bail.
Under his bail conditions, Whitty cannot contact, try to contact or go near Ms Tesch or any other prosecution witness.
He cannot be in possession of more than one mobile phone and must provide any passwords or pin codes to police within 48 hours.
Whitty is also banned from using any social media platforms while on bail.
The matter will return to Gosford Local Court on September 18.
