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Brendan Sean Cliff repeatedly arrested at iconic buildings before Justin Hemmes charges

The man arrested over a terrifying incident where he claimed to be a bikie before demanding a meeting with bar boss Justin Hemmes at his historic home has a history of similar behaviour.

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The man charged for allegedly targeting bar boss Justin Hemmes at his Eastern Suburbs mansion has a lengthy history of fixating on iconic buildings.

According to the police record of Kings Cross man Brendan Sean Cliff, the 48-year-old has a “fixation” on iconic buildings where he demands to speak to “famous people” or “high office holders”.

The record said there have been multiple instances where officers have been forced to arrest him or move him on.

The Sunday Telegraph revealed that police took out an AVO to protect Mr Hemmes from Cliff over a July 11 incident where he turned up at the Merivale boss’s heritage listed Vaucluse mansion, The Hermitage, about 9am and demanded a meeting.

Court documents said Cliff claimed he was a Comanchero bikie and was owed money by Mr Hemmes.

He also allegedly made pistol gestures with his hands and appeared “aggressive and agitated”.

Police intelligence on Cliff does not show that he has any bikie links, instead he has an extensive history of mental health issues.

Justin Hemmes with Madeline Holtznagel Ivy Pool Club in Sydney. Picture:Richard Dobson
Justin Hemmes with Madeline Holtznagel Ivy Pool Club in Sydney. Picture:Richard Dobson

There is also no suggestion that Mr Hemmes has any dealings with bikies.

It is also understood that Mr Hemmes has never met Cliff.

Police have charged Cliff with threatening both Mr Hemmes’ neighbour and a staffer, who was at his Vaucluse home just before 9am.

A detective also took out an AVO to protect Mr Hemmes, his staffer and the neighbour from Cliff.

Under the AVO conditions, Cliff is banned from going within 500m of Mr Hemmes home or anywhere that he works.

Cliff is also banned from approaching Mr Hemmes or contacting him in any way.

Justin Hemmes’ home, The Hermitage, at Vaucluse
Justin Hemmes’ home, The Hermitage, at Vaucluse

Police took out the same conditions to protect Mr Hemmes’ staffer and neighbour.

Cliff has been refused bail and is yet to enter a plea to the charges.

A previous hearing has been told he was sent for a mental health assessment, is unemployed and receives Centrelink support.

Cliff is listed to face the Downing Centre Local Court on November 13.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/brendan-sean-cliff-repeatedly-arrested-at-iconic-buildings-before-justin-hemmes-charges/news-story/6ef93a7d0e253747acda9a6a8586f27f