Sophie Monk: Man accused of stalking TV star is behind bars with footage showing Brian Rapley violating a restraining order
A man accused of stalking TV star Sophie Monk has been charged with violating a restraining order.
Brian Rapley, 49, had arrived at the TV star in April with a red rose, claiming he believed he was in a relationship with Monk after he was ‘catfished’.
He showed up and lingered at her Central Coast home, hoping to meet her in person after exchanging love messages online.
Rapley claims that a scam artist posing as the Love Island host sent him romantic texts and DMs for four months before scamming him out of $7,000.
He was arrested Thursday morning after reportedly showing up at Monk’s manager’s office in Surry Hills, Sydney earlier this week.
An allegedly stalked TV star Sophie Monk (pictured) has been arrested and charged with violating a detained personal assault warrant
He was denied bail at Penrith local court, charged with breaching a detained personal assault order – which stated that he was not to come within 500 yards of Monk or attempt to make contact with her.
The court heard that Rapley allegedly entered the downtown office building after announcing “Sophie” over an intercom. Daily telegram reported.
Footage shows a man, dressed in dark clothing, entering the building before climbing the stairs of the office where Monk often works.
Employees then called the police after recognizing the man.
Police prosecutor Shin Wahr told the court that Rapley continues to pose a risk to Monk and that he should not be granted bail.
“The defendant has been given an AVO which has quite strict conditions for the protection of the victim, where he is not allowed to go to a place where she works, and that is exactly what he has done,” Mr Wahr told the court.
The father-of-two will remain in custody until his appearance at Downing Center local court on September 14.
Police prosecutor Shin Wahr told the court that Rapley still poses a risk to Monk (pictured) and should not be granted bail
Brian Rapley, 49, had arrived at the TV star in April with a red rose, claiming he believed he was in a relationship with Monk after he was ‘catfished’