Ipswich teacher, school allegedly terrorised by weapon hoarder dad

An Ipswich man who denies threatening a teacher has appeared in court after police raided his home. A court heard they found an extensive stash of weapons and “neo-Nazi apparel’’.

A North Ipswich man, alleged to have threatened a teacher, has faced court charged with possession of weapons, drugs and explosives.

Rhyss Luke Bryant, 32, appeared in Ipswich Magistrate’s Court on August 29, via video link, charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a weapons category a B or M, two counts of unlawful possession of a weapons category D, H or R, unlawful possession of weapons category C or E, authority required to possess explosives, possession of dangerous drugs, possession of utensils or pipes, and two counts of receiving tainted property (firearm or ammunition).

Police executed a warrant on Bryant’s house on Friday morning, after Bryant allegedly threatened his child’s ex-schoolteacher with violence.

The police allegedly found weapons hidden under beds and in cupboards, including three shortened rifles, one rifle, a pump action shotgun, crossbow, push knife, ammunition and fireworks – along with cannabis and pipes.

Bryant was arrested, but made an application for bail yesterday (August 29).

Rhyss Bryant leaving the Ipswich Courthouse in 2019.

The court heard police also found five 3D-printed push knives and neo-Nazi apparel.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Paul Caldwell said the haul “paints a picture of a person who is an unacceptable risk to the community … someone who either is violent or has violent fantasies”.

Defence lawyer Matthew Fairclough argued there were no charges in relation to many of the concerns raised in a bail objections affidavit.

He also said no charges were put forward relating to the alleged threats.

“My defendant denies categorically that he is the author of any threats or threatened behaviour towards that school,” Mr Fairclough said.

He said some of the items allegedly found at Bryant’s home were taken from their owner in 2021.

It was not suggested Bryant had used or tried to use any weapons since then, he said.

Mr Fairclough said Bryant was a single father of two and suffered from anxiety, depression and an eating disorder.

The court heard he had a criminal history including charges of going armed so as to cause fear, in 2013 and 2015, and weapons offences including threatening violence and discharging firearms in 2019.

Magistrate Grace Kahlert said given the quantity of firearms found, she was not satisfied any conditions could significantly reduce the risk of reoffending or endangering community safety.

Bail was denied and the matter adjourned until September 19.

On Friday, Detective Inspector David Briese said police would allege the threats stemmed from an incident that happened when the man’s children were students at the school in 2021.

It was alleged the threats were made personally to the man’s associates and via social media, and police were informed of the “specific threats” directed at staff members of the school on Thursday, August 25.

“The information that was provided to us by members of the community was very timely,” Detective Inspector Briese said.

Ipswich police. Picture: Patrick Woods.