A man who posted targeted threats on social media about a Merriwa police officer has been sentenced in court.
Joel Glen Whaley, 32, pleaded guilty to seven offences, including stalking and intimidation, after posting threats against Senior Constable Jason Bear on Facebook in August 2025. Several more serious charges, including using a carriage service to threaten to kill, were withdrawn when he appeared in Muswellbrook Local Court on Wednesday.
The court heard Whaley had become “indoctrinated” by sovereign citizen ideology while also dealing with heavy drug use and personal issues. His solicitor, Joshua Whale, said his client had fallen victim to an “explosion” of extremist misinformation online.
Magistrate Kevin Hockey said the case caused him significant concern, linking it to wider extremist activity that has resulted in police deaths in Queensland and Victoria. He referenced the alleged killing of two officers by Dezi Freeman, who has been associated with the sovereign citizen movement.
Whaley was handed a 12‑month community corrections order, which includes conditions not to consume drugs or alcohol, and was fined $1,450. The offences date back to 2021.
