Sean David Sharman, a 51-year-old man from Ballarat, now faces a number of legal penalties. In this case, in March, he sent threatening and intimidating emails to Independent Senator Fatima Payman. These emails featured specific and detailed violent threats against the senator, which ultimately resulted in the man’s arrest in April of this year. Sharman, 24, has pleaded guilty to using a carriage service to make a threat to kill. His sentencing is delayed so he can go through detox programs.
In his letters, Sharman wrote deeply concerning missives. He called for Senator Payman to be labelled “a domestic terrorist” and said that she should be banned from ever holding office in Australia. He emphasized his intent in one email by stating that there was a “.38 calibre bullet with your name on it coming for you.” Additionally, Sharman insulted Senator Payman and her community, saying, “You and your Muslim lot should go back to the desert, you lot have destroyed Australia.” He ended one of his emails with a chilling sign-off: “Best Wishes, Sean.”
Arrest and Court Proceedings
After receiving the gruesome emails, police served a search warrant at Sharman’s residence, resulting in his arrest last April. Throughout the investigation, he worked in good faith with law enforcement, granting access to his laptop and email accounts. The court was informed that he sent one more email. To it, he appended his full name and address, to show that he was a “real human being and not a bot.”
On June 24, Sharman pleaded guilty to the charges. The court postponed his sentencing so he could participate in detox services through Ballarat Community Health. In the meantime, while on a waitlist for these services, he awaits the final determination for his punishment.
In her assessment of Sharman’s actions, Magistrate Julia Barling described his emails as “disgraceful, racist, xenophobic, [and contained] terribly frightening comments.” This description casts a powerful light on just how serious his threats are and the danger of using this kind of language within our political system.
Conditions of Release
Sharman’s release on bail came with severe restrictions. He is to have no direct or indirect physical or other contact with Senator Payman or staff in her office. This bail condition puts the senator’s safety well above that of the public. Third, it protects the integrity of the ongoing legal process.
Sharman’s claims are very serious indeed. They sound the alarm on the threats faced by public officials and document the broader societal risks created by hate speech. The case underscores the legal system’s role in addressing such behavior while considering the mental health needs of individuals involved.
