Jeremiah Riley sentenced for fake revenge advertisement promoting “gangbangs” in nasty online attack

As an act of revenge, a builder posted a fake online ad depicting a woman being available for sexual services, resulting in her receiving a barrage of proposals for sex - including “gangbangs”.

Jeremiah Riley outside Ballina Local Court.

As an act of revenge, a Tweed builder posted a fake online ad depicting a woman being available for sexual services, resulting in her receiving a barrage of proposals for sex - including “gangbangs”.

Jeremiah Adriel Riley faced Ballina Local Court on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to using a carriage service to offend.

Court documents state the 41-year-old advertised a room in an East Ballina home around November last year on the CouchSurfing website - a platform where users can find accommodation for travelling.

The Sydney-based victim reached out to Riley and made arrangements to stay at his house while she visited Ballina for an event.

The victim briefly stayed at Riley’s house in East Ballina while she was visiting from Sydney.

According to police facts, the victim invited Riley to the event and after they arrived home, she reported having a stay in which she did not feel comfortable around Riley.

The victim blocked Riley and filed a complaint to CouchSurfing the next day.

On December 1 last year the woman received numerous messages from random numbers referring to an advertisement on Locanto, a platform frequently used by sex workers.

Riley was sentenced at Ballina Court House. Picture: Savannah Pocock

Riley used the site to post a fake advertisement depicting the victim offering sexual services and being interested in a “gangbang.” The victim’s number was listed in the advert, facts continue.

One ad read: “Hi, I’ve come out of a long-term relationship and I’ve always wanted a gangbang, well now I can. I prefer (bigger) d--k - no small one, please ... Let’s get this party started.”

Ballina Police Station on March 3, 2023. Picture: Savannah Pocock

Riley messaged the victim online a few days later, saying her complaint resulted in him being banned from CouchSurfing, court documents state.

The victim reported the incident to police who tracked the advertisement to Riley.

He was arrested at Ballina Police Station where he initially denied his involvement, then told officers: “I only did it to get back at her because she got me kicked off CouchSurfing.”

At court, Riley’s lawyer Ms Mewing said her client was getting treatment for his alcohol-use and was seeing a psychologist.

Magistrate Karen Stafford said people who saw the ads and texted the victim asking for “gangbangs”caused her emotional anguish and stress.

“Being drunk is no excuse and even if Riley was intoxicated, why did it take him four days to remove the advertisement,” Ms Stafford said.

“This is a particularly nasty type of offending,” she said.

“It was a deliberate and calculated gender-based decision to act in that way.

“The community is disgusted at this type of offending, if there was a record of domestic violence offences I would have considered a jail sentence.”

Riley was sentenced to a 12-month community corrections order and was fined $2000, with a conviction recorded.

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Originally published as Jeremiah Riley sentenced for fake revenge advertisement promoting “gangbangs” in nasty online attack