North Coast pretend soldier Romeo Le Thorn gets six months shaved from non-parole period on appeal
A North Coast “model” jailed for impersonating a soldier and possessing unauthorised guns, among other offences, has faced court pleading to be freed earlier.
Tweed Heads
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A North Coast “model” jailed for impersonating a soldier and possessing unauthorised guns, among other offences, has had his sentence reduced after begging for leniency.
Murwillumbah man, Romeo Le Thorn faced Lismore District Court, appearing alongside two sheriffs escorting him, appealing his sentence.
The 37-year-old did not qualify for Legal Aid, the court heard, so he represented himself.
Le Thorn was caught by police with Australian Defence Force uniforms and service medals in January 2022.
On Tuesday, Le Thorn became emotional when Judge Jennifer English asked why he believed his penalty was “too severe”.
“I’m not proud of what I’ve done,” he said.
Le Thorn wiped tears from his face as he told the court he was abused as a child.
He told the court he fell into drug dependency while part of a motorcycle club, but stopped using once he left the group.
“My partner is the most positive influence in my life,” he said.
The court heard Le Thorn’s relationship and mental health had deteriorated alarmingly.
Le Thorn told the court he wanted to be closer to his family.
“I don’t care what my top sentence is. I want to prove I am a better man,” he said.
“I want to keep my partner and prove I can be a law-abiding citizen,.”
Judge English asked Le Thorn what actions he had taken behind bars to be a better man.
Le Thorn said he had abstained from drug use, but was unable to complete some courses.
“I requested to be moved to the Clarence Correctional Centre to be closer to my partner and children,” he said.
“I’m happy to do whatever course on the outside.”
Le Thorn was previously convicted of falsely representing as a returned soldier, two counts of stealing from a dwelling, one count of disqualified driving, two counts of resisting an officer in the execution of duty, and one count of possessing suspected stolen goods.
He was also convicted of one count of carrying a knife in public, one count of possessing or using a prohibited weapon without permit, three counts of possessing unauthorised firearms, one count of intimidating a police officer and one count of contravening an apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO).
Magistrate Geoffrey Dunlevy sentenced Le Thorn to three years in jail with a non-parole period of two years in Tweed Heads Local Court in February.
On Tuesday, Judge English varied the penalty imposed.
Le Thorn remained sentenced to three years in jail, but was granted a revised parole period of 18 months, compared to two years.
He is due to be released on parole on August 20.
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Originally published as North Coast pretend soldier Romeo Le Thorn gets six months shaved from non-parole period on appeal
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