In a society that prides itself on fairness and the 'fair go', it's deeply unsettling to hear about the vile and threatening behaviour that has landed one individual behind bars. The case of David William Wonnocott, who has been described by a judge as potentially just an 'awful person', is a stark reminder of the dark underbelly of online harassment and the real-world consequences it can have on its victims.

Wonnocott, a 51-year-old from northern NSW, was sentenced to a minimum of one year and four months in jail after a series of deeply disturbing online threats directed at Brittany Higgins, her partner David Sharaz, and even their pet dog. His actions were not only reprehensible but also indicative of a broader issue of online abuse that has become all too common, particularly against women and minorities.


The court heard how Wonnocott had an extensive history of sending hateful, homophobic, racist, and misogynist messages online. This pattern of behaviour is a chilling reminder of the anonymity and distance the internet provides, emboldening individuals to express extreme views and make threats they might not otherwise make in person.


Brittany Higgins, who bravely came forward with allegations that she was raped by Bruce Lehrmann at Parliament House in 2019, has faced a torrent of abuse online. It's a sad reality that individuals who speak out about sexual assault often face backlash and victim-blaming, which can compound their trauma and discourage others from coming forward.


In 2022, Wonnocott escalated his online harassment by sending Instagram messages to Ms Higgins' partner, leading the couple to fear for their safety genuinely and ultimately relocate to France. The content of these messages was not just offensive; it was life-threatening. Wonnocott threatened to kill the couple and harm their dog in a manner so graphic and specific that it's difficult to comprehend the level of malice involved.

The impact of these threats on Ms. Higgins and Mr. Sharaz cannot be overstated. In a victim impact statement, Mr Sharaz expressed how the threats had forever altered their sense of safety and made them terrified to leave their house alone. This is the reality of online threats – they can make the world feel like a hostile place, where any stranger could be the one to carry out the threats.

Judge John Pickering, in delivering the sentence, acknowledged the intense public vitriol against Ms Higgins at the time and the reasonable fear the threats could be genuine. He differentiated between the typical offensive online commentary and the targeted, intentional threats made by Wonnocott, which were designed to instil genuine fear.


Wonnocott's previous convictions for making offensive comments against gay people and encouraging comments about the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings further paint a picture of a man consumed by hatred. It's a sobering thought that such individuals walk among us, often unnoticed, until their words or actions cross a line that society cannot ignore.

As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we must stand united against such behaviour. It's not enough to be outraged; we must also be vocal in our support for victims of online abuse and advocate for stronger measures to protect individuals from such threats. We must also educate ourselves and our peers on the importance of online etiquette and the impact that words can have on others.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or domestic or family violence, please reach out for help. Call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000. For men concerned about their use of family violence, the Men’s Referral Service can be contacted at 1300 766 491.
Let's use our collective voice to ensure that the internet becomes a safer space for all, free from the kind of hatred that has seen an 'awful human being' rightfully placed behind bars. What are your thoughts on this case, and how do you think we can combat online harassment? Share your views and join the conversation below.