Paul John Moore pleads guilty to threatening a pregnant job worker at Multiple Sclerosis Society

A man terrified a pregnant charity worker with threats of violence he claimed would make serial killer Ivan Milat “look like a Disney daytime story”, a court has heard.

A budding businessman who threatened a pregnant charity employee with violence worse than notorious serial killer Ivan Milat has avoided jail.

Paul John Moore, 39, of Hampstead Gardens, pleaded guilty in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday to basic assault after his attack on a Multiple Sclerosis Society of SA and NT employment consultant.

Police prosecutor Laura Ferguson told the court Moore demanded the centre “job worker” organise a service by the following Tuesday at 2pm, and if it was not met he would “make what Ivan Milat did look like a Disney daytime story,” on March 12 last year.

Ivan Milat was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murders of seven backpackers. Picture: File

“The defendant continued to make threats, stating: ‘You need to take me seriously … I see you are pregnant, bye bye, baby’,” Ms Ferguson said.

The court heard the victim tried to stay calm and asked Moore to leave but she was “scared for her safety and the safety of her unborn baby”.

The incident occurred just weeks after a 12-month good behaviour bond, issued in the District Court in February 2019, had lapsed handed down for intentionally causing harm, for which he received an 18-month suspended sentence, the court heard.

Magistrate Alfio Grasso said Moore had “other offences of violence” in his criminal history, with fines in 2018 for assaulting and resisting police, and a two-year good behaviour bond in June 2005 for property damage and assaulting and resisting police.

For Moore, Ms Harvey said her client, who was attempting to get a lawn mowing and landscaping business off the ground, had unsuccessfully asked for “extra assistance” through a social worker, causing to him to behave “very poorly indeed”.

“He does agree that he behaved in a way and said such things to cause fear to his employment worker,” Ms Harvey said, but maintained that Moore did not know the victim was pregnant.

Paul John Moore threatened a pregnant worker at the Multiple Sclerosis Society of SA and NT. Picture: Google Maps

“He does agree he made some reference to serial killers rather than specifically Ivan Milat. He accepts that’s no explanation or excuse, for behaving the way he did.

“This is an example of him being very much at the end of his rope. He’s ashamed for what he did and what he said.”

Moore who has bipolar disorder, told the court he was “very sorry” about the incident but was “on edge” after being “ripped off” after trying to set up a truck driving business.

“I said those things I didn’t mean,” Moore said. “I’ve realised it’s upset a few people.”

Taking into account Moore had already spent a month in custody, and had pleaded guilty, Magistrate Grasso handed him a suspended two-month jail term and a two-year good behaviour bond.

“You’re not going to jail but you’re going close to it,” Mr Grasso said. “You put the victim in fear with words you directed at her.”

Magistrate Grasso said there was some dispute about the exact words Moore said but all parties agreed they were “threatening” remarks.

“I’m very worried you have a propensity to lash out,” he said. “If you’re not well, you don’t go to public offices or interact with people that are trying to help you, you need to see your doctor first.

“When you’re feeling anxious and stressed, speak to your support worker.”