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A conspiracy theorist and self-described political ‘freethinker’ who believes McDonald’s uses baby meat has admitted harassing the 2GB host. Ben Fordham.
David Michael Graham, 62, pleaded guilty at Downing Center Local Court on Wednesday to a single charge of using a carriage service to threaten, harass or offend.
The online commentator, who goes by the name ‘Guru’, described the ‘offensive’ phone calls to the radio station as an attempt to obtain a ‘right of reply’.
David Michael Graham, 62, admitted harassing radio host Ben Fordham in court (pictured)
Fordham declined to be interviewed by Graham, who has a podcast espousing conspiracy theories.
‘I am a journalist. I have a media show that I do about news. I was just looking for a right of response. That’s it, your honor,” Graham told Magistrate Brett Shields.
Mr Shields told the Wollongong man that while he might have been entitled to seek a right of reply for “something said… you can’t go any further and cross the line”.
‘The facts seem clear that you crossed the line and engaged in threatening or harassing behavior. “Whether or not the other person wants an interview is entirely their question,” he said.
—You asked and he said no. That should have been the end… All I would say to him is that he has the right to have his views and express them, but he can’t take that step any further.’
Graham describes himself as a free thinker who goes by the name “Guru.” Image: Supplied
Graham was due to face a hearing Wednesday on two counts of harassment and intimidation but, after last-minute negotiations with police, pleaded guilty to the single charge.
Shields sentenced Graham to a Commonwealth recognizance order for 12 months, essentially a “conditional suspended sentence”, and a $2,000 fine.
Graham, 62, hosts the ‘Stop the rot, sack the lot’ podcast, where he voices conspiracy theorist views, including Covid skepticism and anti-government action.
Days before his court appearance, Graham took aim at Wollongong MP Paul Scully over laws regarding people living in caravans, saying he should “come and have a chat to Guru”.