Braydon Fleming sentenced in Grafton court after group destroys home, cars while children cower under beds

A group of young men armed with bricks, knives, hammers and other weapons smashed their way through a Grafton home while children cowered under beds, a court heard.

Braydon Fleming was sentenced after the frenzied attack at a South Grafton home

A group of young thugs armed with bricks, knives, hammers and other weapons went on a violent rampage through a Grafton home while children cowered under beds, a court heard.

Lengthy CCTV footage played at court revealed the horrific moment the group ran amok about 1am on October 2, 2021.

Braydon Fleming, 21, pleaded guilty in Grafton District Court to destroying/damaging property in company (more than $5000), using an offensive weapon in company with intent to commit an indictable offence, larceny and aggravated break and enter in company.

He faced the court on March 22.

Fleming was arrested on November 25, 2021, aged just 19 at the time, and has been in custody since then.

Eight young men have been accused of being involved in the South Grafton rampage, while several children also alleged to be involved have faced Children’s Court.

Judge Jonathan Priestley told Fleming’s family members, who were watching from the gallery, to “brace yourselves, what you’re about to see is absolutely shocking”.

The group started hurling items at a home after a verbal exchange with the victim, the footage showed.

The group of teens stomped and smashed cars with weapons, the court was told.

The terrified homeowner locked his home and told his partner to hide two young children.

Court documents state the group bombarding the home had been drinking or consuming drugs, according.

Fleming downed an entire bottle of vodka, which he claimed he was “peer pressured” into drinking.

The group came armed with knives, a hammer, metal rods and bricks as they began damaging the home and stomping on three cars, the court documents state.

Fleming’s family cried in court as they watched the video of their relative, now 21, yelling threats while wielding a wooden paling.

The mob broke windows and used a hammer on a car and Fleming smashed up a vehicle.

The court was told the group was after a man who was not even at the residence.

“I’m going to f--king kill you dog c--t,” one of the group screamed, according to the documents.

The young children inside cowered under mattresses and the attackers entered the home.

Fleming was the first to enter, the documents state.

Judge Priestley said the facts of the case reminded him of someone “being under attack in a war film”.

“People charge through a home smashing it up while innocent kids hide under mattresses,” he said.

The destruction continued in the home as the traumatised kids remained hidden.

The adult in the home, described as “brave” by the judge, was taken to hospital suffering cuts, swelling and facial injuries.

“A group of people descended on his home and he tried to repel (them),” Judge Priestley said.

The house was left trashed after the shocking invasion.

The home was deemed uninhabitable after the attack and more almost $23,000 in damages were recorded, court documents state.

Fleming stole a PlayStation, a wallet containing $200 in cash and a phone.

Judge Priestley said it was uncommon to see an entire video that recounts an offence of this nature.

“It shows how destructive and purposeless it was,” he said.

Fleming was willing to undertake rehabilitation and his family were supportive.

Fleming had a rough time in prison and was accused of institutional misconduct charges, but he did work in the prison kitchen, the court heard.

Defence lawyer Peter Davies said Fleming’ time in prison meant he did not consume intoxicating substances.

Mr Davies described Fleming’s offending as “absolutely reprehensible conduct”.

“He shouldn’t have been involved in the first place,” he said.

Fleming, who was in tears, told the court he wanted to change.

The attack occurred in South Grafton.

“I don‘t want to touch alcohol again – or do nothing bad,” he told the court.

Fleming said he wished the attack did not happen and he “followed people I didn‘t even know – I was so drunk”.

Fleming said he was ready to be a functionable member of society.

“Jail helped me think about what I did every day. I’m sick of this life,” he said.

Judge Priestley said Fleming’s youth played a major role, but he slammed all alleged to be involved in the rampage for their abhorrent behaviour.

“This kind of lawlessness is unacceptable and should be stamped out. Think of the harm to the victims and children,” he said.

The court heard Fleming lived with an intellectual disability and ADHD.

Considering Fleming’s chances of rehabilitating and a year and five months already spent in custody, Judge Priestley sentenced him to serve an intensive corrections order for 20 months.

Fleming was ordered to undertake 150 hours of community service and to abstain from drugs and alcohol. He was referred to a treatment program.

Originally published as Braydon Fleming sentenced in Grafton court after group destroys home, cars while children cower under beds