Romeo to appeal after text threats
‘Who’s first, mum or bro?’
A Byron Bay model previously jailed for impersonating a soldier has appealed a sentence for terrifying threats to shoot a man’s mother while he was out on parole.
Ballina Local Court heard Romeo Le Thorn believed the man had drugged and raped a woman while he was in prison for impersonating a member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), possessing unauthorised guns and other offences.
The 38-year-old was sentenced to two years in jail with a non-parole period of 12 months in December after pleading guilty to two counts of intimidation.
He has since lodged an appeal to be heard on February 29.
The court previously heard Le Thorn, a Manscapes franchise model, sent photos of a rifle and pistol to the man, as well as a video of his threatening behaviour outside the mother’s home.
Le Thorn was in prison when the other man briefly dated a woman known to him – ultimately ending the relationship because he feared Le Thorn, an agreed set of facts stated.
Le Thorn was released from jail and messaged threats about 10pm on November 27.
“Don’t think I’m finished with you yet you f--ken dog,” Le Thorn wrote in his messages.
The other man replied: “What’s the problem now?”
Le Thorn continued: “You’ll find out when I see you c--t.”
“I go back (to jail) and you … drug and rape her. I’m coming after you with everything I have.”
The victim denied all the claims made against him including that he had raped a woman known to Le Thorn, the documents state. Le Thorn then threatened the man’s family, the documents state.
“You will feel every pain known to man. No one is safe. Your family, your kids. They are all dead until you face me,” Le Thorn said.
“I’m going to come after you and I’m going to make sure you bleed out slowly so I can watch your life drain before me.
“I’m just about to pull up at your mother’s. Who’s first, your mother or your brother?”
The victim said: “What the f-k are you on about mate? You have it all wrong. Stay the f--k away from my family”.
Le Thorn wrote: “Then come get me”.
He then sent video from outside the mum’s house.
Police state he can be heard saying: “Ya f--ked up now c--t. You f--ken hear me. Whose house is this huh. Let’s find out.”
The other man tried to de-escalate: “I don’t want anything to do with her or this bulls--t caused by her lies to you.”
Le Thorn sent a picture of a pistol and said: “Just so you know. I’m not playing”.
Byron Bay Police were alerted and the mum told officers she recalled Le Thorn coming to her door looking for her son, the documents state. She said Le Thorn told her he had been shot at by police and was connected to outlaw motorcycle gangs.
“The victim is now in hiding for fear of his life,” police state.
Le Thorn’s defence lawyer Rodney Behan previously told the court his client’s criminal record did not assist.
“(Le Thorn) has borderline personality disorder and he let his emotions get the better of him,” Mr Behan said.
“He has sought counselling in Ballina and seeks to pursue treatment for his mental health.”