Tarryn Thomas’ ex Jamai Curran speaks out after shocking court case

The footballer’s estranged ex-partner reveals the explosive messages that sparked threats of revenge porn and slams his punishment as setting a “terrible example” for abusers.

Tarryn Thomas' ex-partner Jamai Curran has spoken out after he escaped conviction over a revenge porn threat. Picture: Supplied

The estranged partner of Tarryn Thomas has spoken of her harrowing ordeal after the troubled North Melbourne midfielder threatened to share an explicit video of her.

Jamai Curran said she was painted as a cheater and victim-blamed in court, while Thomas was given a slap on the wrist.

The footballer escaped conviction and was ordered to pay $1000 to charity.

“It sets a really terrible example to men who abuse women, that they can pay a bit of money and get away with it,” she said.

The 28-year-old is now speaking out, saying she’s been “silenced for too long”.

“The reason I’ve spoken out now is because I had multiple people telling me to stay silent for the past 12 months as whatever I say would be used against me by his lawyer,” she said.

“It’s just an example of abusive men still having power and control.”

Ms Curran dated Thomas for a couple of months last year.

Thomas’ manager Ben Williams said he was remorseful for his actions.

“Tarryn has missed half a season of AFL football, has participated and committed to several programs of education and self help. He has been remorseful for his actions and the matter has been dealt with by the courts and the judicial system.”

Ms Curran has made public the shocking messages Thomas sent her, including a comment about his mother that was said to have sparked the revenge porn threat.

“Your mum must be so proud. It’s laughable at this point. Making shit up in your head that I slept with your friend so you can justify how you treat me,” Ms Curran wrote.

Thomas replied: “Don’t bring my mum into this, I will get her to smash you so f--- up (sic) and f--- off”.

He then told her he had leaked intimate videos of them together that had been recorded consensually.

“And don’t worry I already sent that shit around,” Thomas said.

After Ms Curran told him she was considering pressing “revenge porn” charges, Thomas claimed his phone had been hacked.

“Your word against mine,” he said.

Thomas gets offended over a Ms Curran’s comment about his mum.

Thomas then says he sent an intimate video of the pair.

Ms Curran said the most troubling part of her year-long fight for justice was the fear that people wouldn’t believe her.

“My biggest fear was either not being believed because he’s an athlete, or what the media was going to say,” she said.

“I’m very aware of his position as an athlete and the effect that can have.”

She said the fact that Thomas had escaped conviction may prevent other women coming forward.

“It makes me sad for other people that are potentially in abusive situations and they are either too scared to speak up, they feel like they aren’t going to be believed, or they won’t get justice,” Ms Curran said.

“Especially for women who are involved with people in the public, it is so much harder.

Thomas appearing at Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court. Picture: Nicki Connolly

Ms Curran said she had been painted as a cheater and victim-blamed by Thomas’ lawyer in court.

“I understand she is paid to do that but to say that his reaction was due to a text message I sent about his mother … she gave no context to what that text message was,” she said.

“To paint me as someone who was cheating in our relationship which is just not true.

“He would daily accuse me of cheating … to put the blame on me is disgusting.

“I’m not responsible for his actions, I have no control over his actions.”

Thomas was ordered to donate $1000 to charity and placed on diversion after he pleaded guilty to a downgraded charge of using a carriage service to harass.

Ms Curran said she was disappointed with the outcome but “not surprised”.

“It’s exactly what I expected to happen all along, I wasn’t shocked by it at all,” she said.

“I don’t think a fine to charity for threatening and abusing women is a punishment.”

North Melbourne Football Club declined to give a statement.