Racing identity who allegedly threatened ex-lover with gun appears in court

Woman involved in alleged horror attack was too “terrified to attempt to leave”, fearing her ex-lover and alleged gun wielder would come after her and shoot her in the street.

When his ex confirmed the relationship was over, the Northern Rivers man allegedly pulled out the shotgun he had been hiding in a guitar case, pushed her to the ground and put his foot on her chest.

A prominent Northern Rivers car racing personality, who allegedly trapped his ex-lover on the ground and threatened to kill her after she told him the relationship was over, will soon be sentenced, a court has heard.

Sean Herbert, 58, had his matters mentioned in Lismore Local Court on Wednesday, August 11.

According to the police statement of facts, the charges relate to an alleged incident involving the Mr Herbert’s ex-partner in Newrybar on August 23.

When his ex confirmed the relationship was over, Mr Herbert allegedly pulled out the shotgun he had been hiding in a guitar case, pushed her to the ground and put his foot on her chest.

According to court documents, the woman cried out “please don’t do this, please don’t kill me” as the accused allegedly pointed the shotgun at her face.

Police will allege Mr Herbert also made several threats to kill himself while the woman was trapped, at one point putting the gun barrel in his mouth.

Eventually, Mr Herbert let the woman up but she was “terrified to attempt to leave”, fearing the accused would come after her and shoot her in the street”, the court documents allege.

After Mr Herbert left the woman’s address, police were alerted by her of the alleged attack.

Police later located the 58-year-old on Bangalow Rd a short time later, placing him under arrest.

They did not locate the firearm, and while initially denying the allegations, Mr Herbert later told police he threw the firearm out of his car afterwards.

Police later located a shotgun, similar to witness reports, at Friday Hut Rd, Brooklet and a search warrant of his house also found a “large” amount of ammunition.

He is charged with common assault, domestic-related stalking/intimidation with the intent to cause fear, possessing an unregistered firearm in a public place, two counts of possessing ammunition without holding a licence or permit and specially aggravated entry of a dwelling with intent and a dangerous weapon.

Back up charges of armed with intent to commit an indictable offence and entering a building with firearm or imitation firearm are also being considered.

On Wednesday, the court heard the matter was ready to be committed for sentence.

However, he is yet to any formal pleas.

The DPP prosecutor asked for a short adjournment to finalise facts and allow for a final consultation with Mr Herbert.

Mr Herbert remains in custody.

Magistrate Michael Dakin adjourned all matters for a further committal in Lismore Local Court on August 25.

A related AVO order was also carried over to that date.