Rocky Pereira’s: Pokie-addicted arsonist’s plea for cash to stop deportation

A family of a Wodonga man who burnt down his cafe and lodged a false insurance claim, is asking the community for cash so he can stay in the country.

Rocky Pereira.

The partner of a Wodonga man who was jailed for burning down his cafe is asking the community for cash to stop him from being deported.

Rocky Pereira was sentenced to 21 months jail at Wodonga County Court on May 7.

He pleaded guilty to arson, attempting to obtain financial advantage by deception, and obtaining financial advantage by deception.

But now the Sri Lankan national faces deportation if his permanent residency visa is revoked following the conviction.

Via GoFundMe, Pereira’s partner Danni Sandford said he needed $10,000 to pay for legal fees to keep him in Australia.

“We, Rocky‘s closest friends and family, are reaching out to anyone willing to help raise funds,” Ms Sandford said on the GoFundMe page.
“Any type of support from the community will assist in ongoing legal representation costs to appeal the decision to revoke Rocky‘s visa and avoid him being deported to Sri Lanka.

“We ask that anyone please help and support Rocky at his greatest time of need.
“The smallest amount can make the difference to ensure Rocky comes home to his friends, family, and most important his beloved seven-year-old daughter.”

Ms Sandford said Pereira had come to Australia in 2003, and had worked as a kitchen hand before opening his own salad bar and becoming a “valued member of the community”.

Pereira later sold that business and opened RM Fresh Cafe.

The 39-year-old was caught setting fire to the Stanley St cafe in the early hours of July 16, 2018.

He then lodged a false insurance claim for the damage done in the fire.

Damages to the cafe and the surrounding businesses totalled $150,000.

In court, Pereira claimed it was financial stress caused by a severe pokies addiction and $120,000 in gambling debts that led to him setting his cafe on fire.

Pereira had been on bail, working two jobs in Wodonga, between his arrest in 2018 and his sentence on May 7.

Ms Sandford said Pereira had a daughter who was born in Wodonga who was her partner’s “pride and joy”.

“Rocky acknowledges the poor decisions he made, takes full responsibility for his actions and is extremely remorseful,” Ms Sandford said via the GoFundMe.
“Since the event, Rocky has been working tirelessly to prove to the community that he is a changed person, a good man, and someone that would help anyone without hesitation.
“Within this time, he has rebuilt himself, with the hope for a positive future for him and his daughter.”

The GoFundMe has raised $325 of its $10,000 target.

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