Lachlan James Hearn sentenced for Holland St brawl

The Roma Magistrates Court heard the terrifying threat a young man slung at a woman after he and five others turned up at a property, armed with an Esky, bin bags, and a bottle of what was allegedly fuel. Find out why he’s back in the community.

Lachlan James Hearn sentenced in Roma Magistrates Court

A young Roma man has been released from custody, after he threatened to burn down a house with kids in it during a violent street fight.

Lachlan James Hearn was charged with affray, forcible entry and threatening violence after his involvement in a violent brawl in Roma on June 29.

He appeared by videolink from custody to be sentenced for the charges in the Roma Magistrates Court on September 4, after 66 days in custody.

However, Police prosecutor sergeant Ellysha Geddes told the court that the prosecution was offering no evidence for the forcible entry charge.

Sergeant Geddes told the court Hearn was involved in a brawl which saw six people go to a Holland St, Roma property, armed with bin bags, an sky, a bottle of what was allegedly fuel, and a lighter, where they threatened, kicked and punched some of the occupants. 

While there were multiple people involved in the brawl, the court heard that Hearn was one of the “principal offenders,” and is therefore the only accused who was sentenced for threatening violence.

His co-accused would only be sentenced for a charge of affray in relation to this incident, Sergeant Geddes said.

Layla Lee Joyce Fraser was sentenced to 54 days imprisonment for her involvement, and she is the only other accused whose matter have been finalised.

The group arrived at the Holland St property on June 29, where the group then slung verbal assaults at the occupant, Ms McKellar.

Sergeant Geddes said Ms McKellar told the group to leave as she had children in the house.

The court heard Hearn then said words to the effect of “f–k the kids I’ll burn your house down, I’ll tip fuel on your car and through your house.”

As a result of the threats, Ms McKellar called for support from two others who were in the house, one a juvenile, who were then immediately set upon by Hearn’s co accused.

The two were punched and kicked to the ground.

“It’s alleged (Hearn) ran to where the juvenile male was being assaulted … and continued to punch and kick him while he was on the ground,” sergeant Geddes said.

“The co-accused (Fraser) then approached the same young person while he was on the ground and tipped the contents of the yellow esky on him.”

The group then began filling up purple bin bags with a liquid before pulling out lighters.

At that point, Ms McKellar yelled at the juvenile and the other man to flee.

Sergeant Geddes told the court no assault complaints were made.

“Mr Hearn was one of the principal offenders, and he was one of the more aggressive persons,” sergeant Geddes said.

Hearn’s lawyer, Trevor May, told court the 20-year-old has a three-year-old son, with whom he has no contact.

However, Mr May said Hearn is responsible for his mother’s care, which has been impacted by his time in custody.

Mr May also stressed the young man has no criminal history.

Magistrate Michael Wood said the offending was “particularly concerning.”

“It is not acceptable at any level,” Mr Wood said.

Hearn was sentenced to 66 days imprisonment, and declared the entirety of the 66 days he had already served.

Mr Wood recorded a conviction.