Stalker Newcastle doctor installed listening device next to fellow medic's bed after relationship ended
A stalker doctor installed a listening device next to another medic's bed in her home after their relationship broke down, jurors have heard.
Dr Curtis Osbourne put the covert equipment, which contained sim cards that could be called to gain audio access, in the bedroom and living area after gaining access to his ex's flat, it is claimed.
Osbourne, 37, of Bath Terrace, Gosforth, Newcastle, denies stalking involving serious alarm or distress between April 1 2020 and February 18 2021 and is being tried by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court.
Prosecutor Shada Mellor told the court the former couple, who are both doctors, had started to be intimate together in December 2019 and began a formal relationship in August 2020, when she moved in with him.
The woman moved into her own property in January 2021, after their relationship deteriorated.
Miss Mellor said Osbourne installed the listening devices, disguised as plug sockets, into her home during January and February 2021.
The prosecutor told jurors: "The prosecution say Dr Osbourne gained access to the doctor's address, without her permission, that the doctor did not provide Dr Osbourne with any keys or means to accessing her address and while inside the address he installed listening devices which were disguised as plug sockets.
"Those plug sockets contained sim cards that allowed Dr Osbourne to call from a mobile device those sim cards and listen in to her home address.
"She said Dr Osbourne's conduct understandably, given what is alleged, caused her serious alarm or distress.
"Furthermore, the prosecution say that Dr Osbourne would have known that his conduct would have such effect on her."
Miss Mellor said it is claimed Osbourne read the victim's private messages, sent her messages that appeared to be from someone else and arranged a valuer to visit her property without her permission.
The court heard when Osbourne was arrested in February 2021 and his home was searched police found a backpack containing a plastic plug socket, among other items.
They also found a set of keys to the victim's address, even though her letting agent confirmed only one set had been given out, to the complainant.
Miss Mellor said the victim's home was also searched and added: "One plug socket listening device containing a sim card was next to her bed and another in the living room/dining room area."
The court heard when Osbourne's mobile devices were checked they showed communication between his devices and the sim card in the bedroom socket on January 31 2021 and then "frequently" from mid February.
There was also communication between the sim card in the living room area between January 28 2021 and mid February 2021.
The court heard Osbourne told police during interview he said the victim knew about the listening devices and had wanted them installed for "security reasons".
The doctor denies wrongdoing.
The trial continues.