Phillip Gordon Starling: Bail refused for man accused of climbing Tarcoola Beach balcony and doing lewd act

A man accused of climbing a Tarcoola Beach balcony, undressing and committing a lewd act near a woman who was sleeping with the lights on has had his bail refused because of the “extremely serious” allegations. Phillip Gordon Starling, 34, appeared via video link from Greenough Regional Prison to apply for bail on Thursday. The court was previously told Mr Starling approached a home in Tarcoola Beach about midnight on November 16 after noticing the lights were on inside. Police prosecutor Sgt Paul Burkinshaw said the accused man climbed an external wall on to a second-storey balcony and allegedly began performing a lewd act while a woman was in bed asleep. Sgt Burkinshaw said the woman woke to sounds before shouting at Mr Starling to leave and screaming out to housemates for help. When police searched the property, the court was told officers found numerous pieces of clothing with alleged matches to Mr Starling’s DNA. He is yet to enter pleas to charges of indecent act with intent to insult or offend and attempted aggravated burglary with intent in relation to the Tarcoola Beach incident, but pleaded guilty to separate charges of stealing and five counts of fraud. He pleaded not guilty to giving false details to police in September last year. In court on Thursday, magistrate Matthew Walton said he was concerned about the “extremely serious” nature of the allegations. He said if found guilty, Mr Starling would be facing an immediate term of imprisonment. Mr Walton decided not to grant bail given the inherent seriousness of the allegation and strong prosecution case. Bail was refused and Mr Starling will next appear in court on Thursday, May 23.