The Snitch: Lawyers put out a warning on ‘Playboy rapist’ Simon Monteiro

Why did a lawyer warn others about a notorious rapist? Who’s responsible for Strike Force Raptor’s inappropriately captioned video? Which barrister had a social media drama? And why is Bruce Lehrmann part of the local lexicon? The Snitch is here.

So-called “Playboy rapist” Simon Monteiro has been looking for a new lawyer, but has concerned so many during his initial approaches that one put out a public warning.

Titled “Public service announcement for the group”, it was posted to a closed social media group of which several female lawyers are members.

“You may have already, or may receive, a call from a well-spoken Simon Monteiro, who is looking for a lawyer for various matters he has on foot,” the post by one of the lawyers said.

“Be careful and make your own inquiries. He will contact you non-stop as soon as you indicate interest or willingness.” The post ended: “He will name-drop a lot and you should confirm the info – thus far a lot of us have found they are untrue.”

Lawyers have been warned about an approach from “Playboy rapist” Simon Monteiro. Picture: AAP

Monteiro, who changed his name from Simon Lowe, is a notorious sex offender who was jailed for 12 years over the horrific rape and bashing of a woman in Sydney’s eastern suburbs in 2007. He waged a seemingly non-stop series of legal battles against authorities while in jail. He has become embroiled in a number of court cases since being released.

Monteiro’s nickname owes to claims he made of mixing with high society and dating celebrities decades ago.

Those close to him wonder how much of it is actually true.

POYNDER OF NO RETURN

Social media claims another one. Step forward barrister Nick Poynder.

Snitch has been told Mr Poynder sent a letter to every barrister in his chambers ramping up on social media posts that got him into hot water and put his working future under a cloud.

Eyebrows were raised at Frederick Jordan Chambers over at least four posts on X between December and February that resulted in Mr Poynder being accused of anti-Semitism. In a February post, he wrote: “Israelis are monsters. They no longer deserve their own country.”

Australian Jewish Association chief executive Robert Gregory reported Mr Poynder to the Legal Services Commissioner, saying the posts constituted “serious anti-Semitic incitement and vilification against the Jewish people”. FJC posted a notice on its website saying the posts did not reflect the views of the chambers. Mr Poynder wrote a letter to the chamber’s board and every barrister in the chambers, opening with: “I am entitled to make public my opinion on world events.”

Immigration barrister, Nicholas Poynder. Picture: Supplied

Mr Poynder argued he had been taken out of context in relation to a number of the posts, including one where said he had been praising work conducted by Hamas to protect the Gazan community.

He wrote the “monsters” post was in relation to “snuff” films featuring the murder of Gazans. The barrister wrote his description of Zionism as “a stain on humanity” referenced the “killing of so many children, at the behest of the Israeli government”. He pointed to other posts where he had “denounced anti-Semitism” and criticism of the Jewish religion.

RAPTOR’S OFF NOTE

When Forrest Gump flew by chopper into a Vietnam War zone, the scene unfolded to the motivating chords of Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Strike Force Raptor video.

According to a video doing the rounds, some officers from NSW Police’s anti-bikie squad, Strike Force Raptor, do the same thing. WATCH THE VIDEO IN THE PLAYER ABOVE.

Snitch was forwarded a video this week of what appeared to be five Raptor officers, all clad in full protective gear, driving in convoy to a job.

There’s thumbs-up for the camera. But the caption needs some explaining: “Going to smash some Viet c--ts.”

BRUCE ENTERS LEXICON

When a case gains a profile on the level of Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation trial, it can change the local lexicon.

The term we have been hearing around town this week is “Bruce masseuse”.

It’s apparently now a slang term to describe a sex worker. The usage goes something like, “That bloke’s off to see a Bruce masseuse” or “That’s not his girlfriend, that’s a Bruce masseuse”. Lehrmann denied receiving the services of Thai masseuses courtesy of Channel 7 in exchange for giving an exclusive interview to the Spotlight program.

This emerged after one of the show’s ex-producers, Taylor Auerbach, gave bombshell evidence in Lehrmann’s defamation trial, claiming the ex-political staffer received cocaine, prostitutes, fine dining and golf holidays as benefits for the story.

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