$20k bribe backfires

Conviction for indecent text message threat

A GOLD Coast real estate agent who threatened a man with false reports of indecently treating a child has walked from court with 140 hours of community service.

Leanne Karen Maynard, also known as Lea Maynard, pleaded guilty in the Southport District Court to one count of making threats.

The court heard Maynard, 50, sent a threatening text message to the elderly mother of the man on March 18, 2016.

“He needs to pay me $20,000. Today,” the text message read.

“I cannot promise we won’t go to the authorities to report (the man’s) incident behaviour with (the child).”

No charges were ever laid against the man and there is no suggestion the allegations are true.

Crown prosecutor Clayton Wallis said Maynard and the man had been going through an acrimonious break-up when the text was sent.

He said a victim impact statement had shown the man had suffered feelings of depression and anxiety after the threats although no formal diagnosis had been made.

Defence barrister James McNab, instructed by Buckland Allen Criminal Lawyers, said Maynard worked on commission only for her employer.

He said Maynard was required to reapply for her real estate licence later this year and a criminal history may impact that renewal.

Mr McNab said a court decision in 2015 meant that Maynard had unexpected debts of $20,000 which she was struggling to pay.

“She sent the message without much thought,” he said. “It is unusual behaviour for her.”

Judge Katherine McGuinness said the charges were serious and a conviction needed to be recorded.

“It is an act that members of our community will find abhorrent.

“I am sure people have told you before that hate is very destructive.”

She ordered Maynard complete 140 hours community service over the next 12 months and a conviction was recorded.