Brian AJ Newman, 53, BAJN CEO, in Beenleigh Court for Facebook harassment

A Logan businessman and advocate with a master’s degree in international law has faced court over an allegedly threatening Facebook post.

Brian AJ Newman leaving, 53, leaving Beenleigh Magistrates Court.

A Logan businessman and advocate with a master’s degree in international law has faced court over an allegedly threatening Facebook post.

Brian Anthony Jones (AJ) Newman, 53, pleaded guilty in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on July 16 to two counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence.

The court heard that on October 30 and February 12, 2022, in Beenleigh, Newman made two posts on Facebook threatening a woman.

Commonwealth prosecutor Daniel Trigger said the post threatened to seek revenge on the woman if she persisted with legal proceedings against Newman.

“The victim reported these matters to Queensland police as she believed the post was as a result of her giving evidence against the defendant,” he said.

“Social media makes it easy to menace and harass people online in a public forum.”

Newman denied the post was targeted at the victim but pleaded guilty to both offences.

The Belivah man’s website stated that he had a background in law and completed a master’s degree in International law in 2022.

He also worked as an advocate and investigator as well as founding the company Workers First in 2014.

The business aimed to assist employees with workplace issues, payroll disputes and social and welfare concerns.

Workers First, which offered staff a “union that was not a union”, went into liquidation last year and allegedly owed employees at that time more than $20,000.

Newman, who represented himself in court, argued that a criminal conviction would affect his future employment opportunities.

In his written submission to the court he said: “I deeply regret my actions and the misunderstanding that lead to them.”

The matter was listed for a trial in the magistrates court, however Newman changed his plea to guilty the day of the hearing.

Magistrate Michael O’Driscoll highlighted Newman’s lack of criminal history and genuine remorse.

“I accept that a conviction would have a negative effect on you and I acknowledge your plea of guilty,” he said.

“Facebook can be a dangerous issue for these types of offences.”

Newman was sentenced to a 12-month good behaviour recognisance order to the value of $700.

No conviction was recorded.

Originally published as Brian AJ Newman, 53, BAJN CEO, in Beenleigh Court for Facebook harassment