Michael and Lynley Le Grand arrive in Australia after release from Bali’s Kerobokan jail, launch plan to run empire remotely

An Australian couple deported from Bali for running a brothel have returned home after their release from prison, but are determined to keep what is left of their Bali empire afloat.

An Australian couple kicked out of Bali for running a brothel are offering free meals at their restaurant as they continue to run their empire on remote control.

Lynley and Michael Le Grand flew into Cairns on a Jetstar flight on Sunday to avoid waiting media after they were immediately deported following their seven-month jail sentence.

They were found guilty of breaching Indonesia’s strict pornography laws for offering sexual services at the Pink Palace Spa in Seminyak.

An Indonesian immigration official said the couple were “blacklisted” from Bali for six months.

Australian Michael Le Grand released from Kerobokan jail in Bali. Picture: Dicky Bisinglasi

The couple, who share three children, dodged waiting media in Melbourne by flying into Queensland to avoid scrutiny.

Lynley Le Grand, 44, covered her face as she was let out of jail, with prison authorities saying she had turned to religion while behind bars.

Indonesian immigration officials confirmed on Sunday that the couple had left Bali on a Jetstar flight to Cairns.

Australian Lynley Le Grand released from Kerobokan jail in Bali. Picture: Lukman S. Bintoro

But the couple, who were influential in Bali before their arrest, still own the Corner House restaurant and three bars called Goat – Greatest of all time – on the island.

They are still promoting the Corner House online, offering free meals for up to four people if they provide their contact details.

A staff member at the Corner House confirmed that Michael Le Grand still owned the all-day eatery on Sunday.

The bookings staffer provided the 50-year-old’s email address, which was the same one he was using when his family was selling the Hallam Hotel in Melbourne several years ago.

The free meals marketing strategy was similar to the free massages that were offered when the couple were running the brothel the Pink Palace Spa.

Indonesian court documents detailing the guilty findings against the Le Grands confirmed they offered free massages at the Pink Palace Spa.

But when customers arrived for the “free massage” they were offered sexual services including orgies for up to $362.

Australian Lynley Le Grand and her husband Michael were arrested at his Pink spa in Kuta. Picture: Lukman S. Bintoro

Some of the staff at the brothel were only paid less than $50 a day, court documents stated.

The couple share three children who had returned to Bali after spending time in Australia following their arrest in October last year.

It was unclear whether the children would stay in Bali or if they would be reunited in Melbourne.

Michael Le Grand’s family previously owned the Hallam Hotel and he was a nightclub promoter in Melbourne.

Lynley was a survivor of the 2002 Bali bombings, where she sustained burns to 30 per cent of her body.

Michael Le Grand was contacted for comment.

Australian Lynley Le Grand was deported with her husband Michael. Picture: Lukman S. Bintoro

Australian Michael Le Grand served seven months in jail. Picture: Dicky Bisinglasi

Kerobokan women’s prison governor Ni Luh Putu Andiyani said that Lynley, 44, who was a Bali bombing survivor, had been a model prisoner.

“The Australian prisoner, Lynley, has shown good behaviour during in prison. She never violated the rules inside the prison,” Ms Andiyani said.

“She always participated in the morning exercise every day. She also active to join the prayer at the prison church.”

Lynley, who was found guilty of running the Pink Palace Spa as a brothel in the Denpasar District Court, was “devastated” when she first went inside last year.

“At the beginning she was very sad. But slowly, she could accept the condition and was able to socialise with other prisoners. She is now in good condition, she is well, and she can socialise with anyone now.”

Michael Le Grand, 50, had complained of “pancreatic cancer” while inside and was released for short periods to receive medical treatment.

Australian Lynley Le Grand in the car after being released. Picture: Lukman S. Bintoro

Michael Le Grand, who was found guilty of running a brothel in Bali, outside a medical clinic.

Lynley Le Grand, who was found guilty of running a brothel in Bali, with a customer’s baby at her restaurant the Corner House in Bali.

The couple opened the Pink Palace Spa in May last year in Seminyak, employing 25 therapists, according to court documents.

A promotional vehicle advertising the Pink Palace Spa & Relaxation centre.

The Pink Palace in Bali, which was raided by police.

They were offering full sexual services, including sex for couples offered by two therapists that costs $360.

Australians Michael Jerome Le Grand from Moonee Ponds and Lynley Jane Le Grand from Mount Waverley, who have been in jail in Bali.

Bali expats have been angry with the couple for tarnishing the island’s reputation, amid fears they were trying to turn it into a new version of Thailand’s seedy sex strips.

The couple still owns three bars and an Australian steak house and restaurant in Bali, with sources claiming they may be able to return within weeks.

Ricky Olarenshaw celebrates his 50th birthday in Bali, with his wife Saranitha. Picture: Facebook

Sarnanitha Olarenshaw wife of former AFL player Ricky Olarenshaw was released from Kerobokan Women Prison in Bali. Picture: Lukman S. Bintoro

They were arrested in raids that also netted the estranged wife of former AFL player Ricky Olarenshaw for offering sexual services at the Flame Spa.

Sarnanitha, whose name was on the Flame Spa’s business paperwork, also served seven months in jail but has since been released.

She claimed that Olarenshaw was responsible for the brothel, but he was never charged and it is not suggested he was involved in any wrongdoing.

Four women who worked at the Flame Spa were also jailed.

Originally published as Michael and Lynley Le Grand arrive in Australia after release from Bali’s Kerobokan jail, launch plan to run empire remotely