Adelaide Man Arrested for Alleged Stalking and Online Harassment of SA Speaker Nat Cook

South Australia Police have arrested and charged a 33-year-old man for allegedly stalking and harassing a member of parliament, understood to be Nat Cook, the Speaker of the South Australian House of Assembly.

Law enforcement officers attended the man's home in Reynella East, located in Adelaide's southern suburbs, on Friday to execute the arrest. According to a statement from police, authorities allege that the suspect breached a formal caution issued to him earlier this year by making numerous social media posts concerning the parliamentarian.

ACCUSED IDENTIFIED AS SOUTHERN SUBURBS ACTIVIST

The individual involved is understood to be Luke Poulton, a local activist from the southern suburbs. Following his arrest, Poulton uploaded time-stamped CCTV footage documenting the police action at his residence to Facebook and Instagram accounts he manages.

In online commentary accompanying the video, Poulton criticized the way officers handled his arrest. He stated that the content leading to the charges involved three Facebook posts, which included a video montage depicting individuals he claimed were involved in bullying him and his family. In his post, Poulton also referenced the recent attack on federal Indi MP Helen Haines in Wangaratta, alleging political involvement by the Australian Labor Party.

Poulton declined to provide a statement when approached for comment and did not grant permission for the media to broadcast or share the CCTV footage of the arrest.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND BAIL CONDITIONS

Following his arrest and formal charges of stalking and harassment, Poulton was granted bail by authorities. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance regarding the matter at the Christies Beach Magistrates Court on December 7.