William Brierley granted bail after alleged stalking, home invasion

A Sunshine Coast teenager charged with stalking a woman for two months has described alleged threats in jail that made him fear for his safety.

William Brierley. Picture: Contributed

A young Sunshine Coast man who was initially denied bail after he allegedly stalked a woman and made threats has been released from pre-sentence custody.

William Brierley, 19, appeared on video link in the Maroochydore District Court on February 4 as defence barrister Lilly Brisick spoke of her client’s treatment in jail.

Mr Brierley has been charged with stalking involving a threat to use violence, burglary and using a carriage service to make a threat.

He was previously refused bail in Maroochydore Magistrates Court in July last year.

Ms Brisick told the court Mr Brierley intended to plead guilty, and the matter has been listed for sentence in April.

In his seven months spent in pre-sentence custody, Mr Brierley was allegedly threatened and treated poorly by other inmates, including an alleged incident of sexual assault, Ms Brisick told the court.

She said Mr Brierley did not feel safe in prison and was “keen” for rehabilitation.

Crown prosecutor Liam Dennis noted the charges relate to “persistent” stalking.

William Brierley. Picture: Contributed

He said to the court the head sentence he would suggest would be two or three years’ imprisonment with parole after serving one third.

Judge Michael Byrne spoke about the allegations before delivering his decision, citing the charge of stalking related to a former partner.

Court documents previously viewed by this publication show the alleged victim and Mr Brierley were only in a relationship for four months.

Judge Byrne said it was alleged the former partner was friendly with a man, leading to “graphic and demanding” threats against him and another male by Mr Brierley.

Judge Byrne then told the court of Mr Brierley’s alleged “home invasion” where he broke into the home of the two men while armed, which Judge Byrne labelled as a “culmination” of the aforementioned threats.

Mr Brierley allegedly made “amateurish attempts to disguise himself”.

No one was injured during the break-in and one of the two males had been across the road at time.

Judge Byrne ultimately granted bail, to the joy of supporters in the public gallery.

Originally published as William Brierley granted bail after alleged stalking, home invasion