Tweed lifesaver Wade Francis Morley released from jail after hammer home invasion

A Tweed surf lifesaver took part in a brutal home invasion in which a resident was attacked with a hammer and left with a permanently disfigured face, a court has heard.

Wade Francis Morley, 55, took part in a home raid in which a man was bashed with a hammer. Picture: Instagram

A Tweed surf lifesaver took part in a brutal home raid in which a resident was attacked with a hammer and left with a permanently disfigured face.

Wade Francis Morley, 55, and a co-offender slipped into the man’s home through an unlocked door to “scare him a little” and “ruffle” his “ feathers”, Lismore District Court was told.

The pair accepted $3000 to carry out the home invasion, which resulted in the victim being punched, kicked and hit with the hammer about 2.50am on February 27, 2022.

Morley faced Judge Jonathan Priestley for sentencing from the dock wearing prison greens on Friday. He pleaded guilty to aggravated break-and-enter and commit serious indictable offence.

Wade Morley. Picture: Instagram

The court heard Morley threatened the victim during the raid and warned him to “Get out of this house” and “No one wants you here”.

The victim was hospitalised for facial fractures and underwent surgery to have metal plates inserted to stabilise an eye socket.

“He will require ongoing corrective surgeries,” Judge Priestley told the court.

Morley, a lifelong surf lifesaver, was leading a “parallel life” at the time of the home invasion.

The court heard Morley had generally been a respected member of the community, but became tied up in substance use and associated anti-social connections.

Morley attended the property to “sort him (the victim) out” and “rough him up”. He denied knowing the co-offender would be present.

Wade Morley, 55, took part in a brutal Tweed home invasion, Lismore District Court heard. Picture: Instagram

Morley told the court he was asked to “piss (the victim) off” and “give him a scare” and that someone would “contact him” afterwards. He was paid $3000 via a bank transfer.

Judge Priestley said the offending involved “violence, bruising and blood” and it was a “serious matter”.

A psychologist report tendered to the court said Morley was raised in a loving household, but there was a lack of discipline and he began drinking heavily from age 13, after he was allegedly assaulted by an authority figure.

Wade Morley. 55, was granted immediate parole. Picture: Instagram

Judge Priestley told the court Morley appeared to be a “model prisoner” and that he completed relevant programs while behind bars following his arrest on March 9 last year.

The court heard Morley actions could be linked to alcohol abuse and stress, but Judge Priestley said “none of this is justifiable behaviour”.

He emphasised Morley went into a stranger’s home and attacked the resident “in the middle of the night”.

Morley was sentenced to two years and 10 months jail, but was granted immediate parole, considering time already served.

Got a news tip? Email [e-mail]