Brayden Rafferty, 24, from Southport jailed for robbery, threats over smart TV sale
The sale of a television in Logan caused a torrent of verbal abuse and broken doors when the customer found out it was not a smart TV, a court has heard.
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The sale of a television in Logan caused a torrent of verbal abuse and brutal violence when a customer found out it was not a smart TV, a court has heard.
Brayden Rafferty, 24, from Southport, pleaded guilty in Beenleigh District Court on September 1 to robbery and wilful damage.
The court heard that on August 18, 2022 in Yarrabilba, Rafferty purchased a television through Facebook marketplace from a Brazilian man, who had moved to Australia in 2019.
He picked up the TV but once he got home was disgruntled it was not a Smart TV and sent a complaint to the seller.
An argument over text escalated until Rafferty sent a torrent of verbally abusive and threatening messages.
“I’m gonna’ smash the teeth down the back of your throat to teach you a lesson,” he said over text.
“I’ll have you killed, pay me back the money or I’ll smash your house.”
Rafferty then went to the victim’s house in the afternoon and demanded he open the door, while counting down from three.
He smashed the front screen door and windows to get in and took the television and $300 in cash.
The court heard alcohol abuse was a main instigator behind Rafferty’s behaviour and he admitted he was an alcoholic.
Judge Craig Chowdhury said he empathised with Rafferty’s addiction issues but it did not excuse his behaviour.
“I understand it is hard to quit alcohol as we have a large drinking culture in this country,” he said.
“Your comments however were disgusting, you went off your rocker and the victim would have been badly shaken up by this.
“The courts can’t tolerate this behaviour in the community and it needs to be punished.”
Rafferty was sentenced to two and a half years prison and released immediately on parole.
He had already served 370 days of pre-sentence custody.
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