Source : Perth Now news
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge was the target of a “menacing” letter demanding $100,000, a court has been told.
Brendon Berry, 54, pleaded guilty in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday to charges including using the postal service to menace.
Prosecutor Andrew McCowan told the court the letter arrived at Mr Beveridge’s home on June 26 last year when he was travelling for work and was brought inside and left on the kitchen bench by his son.
Two days later, Mr Beveridge returned home and read the letter, which was written on the back of an invoice from a Darwin hotel.
“No one likes a hero or a liar now you know you have done a bad thing,” the letter stated.
“Pay what you owe.”
Mr McCowan said there was no specific threat but alluded that something would happen to Mr Beveridge if $100,000 was not paid before July 4.
In a statement to the court, Mr Beveridge said he was shocked and angered when he received the letter, which immediately raised concerns for his family.
“I found it deeply disturbing that someone who did not know me would be so callous as to strike fear into the heart of those around me,” he said.
“What frustrated me most was the disregard shown for the effect that such a letter can have on innocent people.”
Mr Beveridge said the letter had “triggered a side of me” he hadn’t previously experienced.
“It almost sent me down the vigilante-thinking track,” he said.
“I hope the offender reflected on the consequences of his actions and understands the effect goes far beyond a threatening letter.”
Berry is the son of late Melbourne boxing identity Leo Berry and was previously jailed for shooting his older brother during a dispute over the sale of their father’s home.
In a police interview, he claimed to have attended school with Mr Beveridge – a claim the prosecution disputes.
Berry’s lawyer, Katie Powell, acknowledged the letter was menacing but urged the court to find he had taken “full acceptance of responsibility”.
She said Berry had taken no efforts to conceal his identity and could not explain why he sent the letter.
Berry will be assessed for a community corrections order ahead of his sentencing next week.
Outside court, Berry said; “All I’d like to say is Luke Beveridge does know me, he knows me all right.”
