A Melbourne woman who impersonated an Aussie soap star to prey on female victims will spend significant time in prison after being sentenced to jail today.

Lydia Abdelmalek, 29, was sentenced to two years and eight months with a non-parole period of one year and nine months at the Heidelberg Magistrates Court.

Abdelmalek repeatedly catfished young women for years. (A Current Affair)

Magistrate Stephen Ballack called Abdelmalek’s conduct “manipulative, calculated and cruel” and highlighted that the accused had “taunted and abused” one of her victims “about suicidal thoughts.”

In court, Abdelmalek, who holds a major in psychology, clutched a photo of Home and Away star Lincoln Lewis, one of the celebrities she impersonated.

The Lalor woman, who also spent much of the proceedings with her arm around her mother, was found guilty of six counts of stalking after assuming various aliases.

She was granted bail after appealing her guilty conviction directly following her sentencing, with the Magistrate taking into account the fact she had not reoffended.

As part of the bail conditions Abdelmalek cannot leave the state or have contact with witnesses. She must also report three times a week to police.

Her appeal is listed for a mention in the County Court on June 28, 2019.

Abdelmalek refused to answer questions from A Current Affair reporter Reid Butler. (A Current Affair)

In one case, Abdelmalek used the profile of Mr Lewis to contact his childhood friend, Emma*

The sustained abuse left Emma suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. Emma killed herself last year.

Emma’s sister fought back tears as she read a victim impact statement her sister wrote before her suicide.

“I also know that I must try to be strong to inform the court about the mental and physical torment I have suffered over a long period of time,” the statement read.

The court heard Abdulmalek tortured her victims via sustained stalking and harassment. (Facebook)

Abdulmalek's father and a friend have provided a surety of $10,000 to the court, with the Magistrate granting bail. (Facebook)

Emma’s statement detailed an assault via text messages and silent telephone calls, with private photos sent to various members of her family.

“My inner being was being torn apart wondering if this nightmare would ever come to an end,” the statement read.

“I felt like a person being randomly targeted and being stripped of their freedom, being tortured, for the sick fascination, perverse pleasure and unhealthy satisfaction of the offender.”

Magistrate Ballak said he couldn’t include Emma’s suicide in Abdelmalek’s sentencing, but said: “You called her a slut, even mocking her for her suicidal thoughts.”

“Your behaviour sticks our in stark contrast with the bravery of your victims in reading out their statements in court today.”

Emma’s father told the court of Abdelmalek’s “relentless pursuit” of himself and his daughter, whom he said did “not have an enemy in the world.”

““Like any good father, I walked with (Emma) on this long relentless nightmare that she rode… more ugly scenes awaited us.”

Abdelmalek pretended to be Aussie actor Lincoln Lewis online. Lewis has condemned her actions. (AAP)

Lincoln Lewis was made aware of the case in winter of 2011. Emma called and asked Mr Lewis if they’d been dating for months. (Facebook)

“The road’s end never came into view.”

“Witnessing the shocking reality that Emma had no respite from was disturbing and haunting and still is to this day,” he father told the court.

News of her 'catfish' activity, used in one instance to form a deceptive online relationship with a former acquaintance of Lewis, made national headlines when the case surfaced in April.

She used the phone, post, social media and emails to communicate with her victims while living in Melbourne's north.

Lewis, 31, the son of rugby league great Wally Lewis, was made aware of the scam when contacted by one of the victims.

A suppression order remains in place to protect the identity of the victims and their families to "avoid causing undue distress and embarrassment".

* Names of victims have been changed to protect their identity

If you or anyone you know needs help:

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