'Apology' for offensive abortion messages to MP

A vehement opponent to abortion and same-sex marriage has apologised for sending offensive messages to an openly gay politician.

John McNeill, 70, has pleaded guilty to using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend after sending NSW independent MP Alex Greenwich eight emails within a week in January 2025.

Outside court on Monday, he clutched his green Woolworths bag and ignored his solicitor's advice to remain silent.

"I just wanted to say if I offended (Mr Greenwich), I apologise but it's offensive to me as a Christian for abortion and same-sex marriage," he told AAP.

The Avalon Beach man said he did not understand how the emails constituted harassment because the MP never responded.

He said he first contacted Mr Greenwich in 2019 after the NSW government decriminalised abortion thanks to a bill introduced by the openly gay MP.

McNeill initially pleaded not guilty to the single charge in November.

A full hearing in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court had been scheduled on Monday when Mr Greenwich was expected to be grilled over the messages.

However, the politician was spared questioning after a last-minute move by McNeill to retain solicitor Muhammad Siddique resulted in the hearing being cancelled.

McNeill changed his plea to guilty after receiving legal advice.

"Your Honour just to clarify that plea," he told Judge Scott Nash in court as his lawyer waved his arms in an attempt to get him to stop talking.

"Not of harassment, offensive."

The charge to which the 70-year-old has pleaded guilty relates to messages that could either offend, harass or menace the recipient.

A statement of agreed facts relating to the incident is still being hashed out with prosecutors.

Mr Siddique also flagged a potential bid to deal with the matter on mental health grounds.

Judge Nash adjourned the case until August 21 so McNeill could see a psychologist and get a report prepared.

The judge imposed an apprehended violence order barring him from finding, contacting, assaulting, stalking or harassing the independent MP for two years.

Mr Greenwich declined to comment on the matter.

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