Sydney doctor text message harrassment case nine months jail overturned 20201023 p5xzv1.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Sydney doctor who sent former flame 6000 text messages has jail term dismissed

9News Staff

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A Sydney doctor who was jailed after being found guilty of bombarding a former lover with 6000 text messages has had her jail term overturned.

Denise Lee, a radiologist who worked in central Sydney, was sentenced to nine months behind bars in March this year after pleading guilty to four harassment-related charges.

Today following an appeal by Ms Lee a judge dismissed all four charges against her, ordering her to remain in the care of her doctor and medical practitioners to whom she is referred.

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READ MORE: Doctor who bombarded Tinder lover with 6000 texts and stalked his new partner jailed

Sydney radiologist Denise Lee met Mathew Holburton on the app in 2015.

Sydney radiologist Denise Lee met Mathew Holburton on the app in 2015. 9News

The judge referred to the weight of punishment handed to Ms Lee as a result of near-global media attention, and cited her mental health.

In March the court heard the harassment began after Ms Lee met Matthew Holberton on Tinder in 2015, attended a handful of dates with, and then broke up.

She was accused of sending thousands of text messages and emails to Mr Holberton, and consequently a new woman he began dating.

READ MORE: Sydney woman sends 9000 texts to one-time date

Radiologist Denise Lee appears at Downing Centre court accused of stalking a former tinder date. Nick Moir

The court heard she created "dozens" of email addresses to send more than 100 emails to the victim's mother, colleagues, and members of Mr Holberton's cycling club.

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For the abuse against the new girlfriend, Ms Lee was sentenced to nine months prison. For the abuse directed towards Mr Holberton she was given a good behaviour bond and ordered to do 600 hours of community service.

Today all sentences, including the community service, were dismissed.

Editor's Note: Since this report was first published, Dr Denise Lee was dealt with under the mental health legislation. The charges were dismissed. Dr Lee was released on the condition that she remain in the care of medical practitioners as she may be referred to from time to time.

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