North Coast teens facing court accused of bashing and robbing predators found on dating app Grindr

A group of North Coast teens allegedly used the app Grindr to draw in men on the pretence of having illicit underage sex before they bashed and robbed them. More has come to light about the sordid series of events.

A group of North Coast teens allegedly used the app Grindr to draw in child groomers to beat and rob them.

A pair of North Coast teens face jail-time after they allegedly used the app Grindr to draw in men on the pretence of having illicit underage sex before they bashed and robbed them.

In court, it has been alleged the two 17-year-olds and other youths were “deliberately using online dating applications, particularly Grindr, to facilitate meetings with men with expectations they would meet underage boys for sex”.

Former Bunjum Aboriginal Corporation, Ballina youth worker 30-year-old Jarred Roberts was one man who was drawn in.

Jarred Roberts, 30, outside court at Lismore.

Grindr describes itself as the “world’s largest social networking app” and “#1 free dating app serving the LGBTQ community”.

In November, Roberts faced Lismore District Court pleading guilty to one count of using a carriage service to procure a 14-year-old for sexual activity.

He went to the Evans Head pool car park with plans to engage in sexual acts with a 14-year-old about 11pm in June last year, the court heard.

An angry “vigilante” greeted him, called Roberts a “pedophile” and “threw something at him” when he got out of his car, the court heard.

Six months later or so, Roberts got a screenshot via Facebook of incriminating messages he had sent – the sender threatened to “expose” Roberts to his family and employer.

Roberts turned himself into police in December 2022.

The teens catfished men on Grindr.

He was convicted and sentenced to 20 months in prison, but is serving a recognisance release order in the community.

In total, it’s alleged six teens were arrested after at least five men aged between 27 and 77 went to dodgy meet ups in the Ballina and Evans Head area and were hospitalised with various injuries.

It’s alleged a 58-year-old man was dragged from his car and bashed before his vehicle was taken, while a 77-year-old man was allegedly targeted by four youths less than a week later.

The two 17-year-olds, who can only legally be referred to as DW and AY, face time behind bars as they appear in Lismore District Court for their alleged involvement.

They have been charged with robbery in company causing grievous bodily harm and a slew of theft and property offences.

It has emerged DW was allegedly the teen who threatened to expose Roberts.

It was also revealed in court that a second man linked to the teen’s alleged “catfish enterprise” has been sentenced for child grooming.

Judge Priestley said the 17-year-old’s case had a “flavour of vigilantism” about it.

DW was allegedly the teen who threatened to expose Roberts.

He said there was little distinction between child grooming offending being uncovered by police operating covertly, posing as a child, or the “vigilantes”.

However, Judge Priestley said the court could not “legitimatize” the actions of vigilantes and they should be dealt with to the full extent of the law.

The four other juveniles have been dealt with in Children’s Court under the Young Offenders Act.

DW has pleaded guilty to four counts of robbery in company causing wounding – grievous bodily harm and wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The teens allegedly used Grindr to draw in the men. Picture: Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images

No pleas have been entered for being carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, another count of robbery in company causing wounding – grievous bodily harm and three counts of destroying/damaging property in company.

AY has pleaded guilty to act with intent to influence witness, but no pleas have been entered on five counts of robbery in company causing wounding – grievous bodily harm.

A different kind of ‘vigilantism’

Bond University criminologist Terry Goldsworthy, a former police detective with 28 years experience, said it was not unusual for vigilantes to lure child groomers online.

However, they usually pass on information to police to take action, instead of taking justice into their own hands.

Dr Goldsworthy agreed the alleged North Coast offending had a “flavour of vigilantism”.

But he said handing out justice to child groomers was likely a secondary priority for the teens.

Criminologist Dr Terry Goldsworthy. Picture: Nigel Hallett

There are no specific penalties for vigilantism as such in NSW, but there are a range of serious penalties for criminal behaviour which could be considered vigilantism – like assault.

A spokesperson for Police and Counter-terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley said: “The NSW government and Police discourage everyone from taking the law into their hands.”

“The police are here for a reason. If you want to report a crime, if you need help then ring triple-0, contact the police,” they said.

‘Romance scams' crackdown

It comes as the federal government has allocated $86.5 million to set up the new National Anti-Scams Centre, partially to stamp out “romance” scams on dating apps and websites.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland is “demanding dating sites do better by Australians” by developing improved policies and implementing them properly.

“Popular dating services must develop and implement a new voluntary code of practice to improve user safety, or we will regulate them,” she said.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland. Picture: Emma Brasier/Women in Media

“Dating platforms have a responsibility to keep their users safe.

“We know that women and LGBTQI+ Australians are disproportionately subjected to violence and abuse on dating apps.

“These codes will place robust obligations on key sectors to protect consumers from scams.

“It should improve engagement with law enforcement, do more to support at-risk users, improve safety policies and practices, and be more transparent about the risk of harms on their services.”

Leading NSW LGBTQ health organisation ACON, which has a strong presence in the north of the state, condemned the actions of the all involved in the alleged Grindr meet ups.

The federal government is cracking down on scams.

“ACON firmly stand against sexual violence in all its forms, and importantly against children,” a statement read.

“We also speak out against individuals meting out physical violence or terror to people they deem to be “deserving” …

“We urge the Australian community not to allow isolated stories of harm to be used by hate groups as a means of justifying violence.”

NSW Police refused to comment while cases were before the courts.

Grindr has been contacted for comment.