A notorious sex offender dubbed the ‘Playboy Rapist’ told a court he would kill himself if a media ban was not imposed – before the judge refused his request.
Simon Monteiro, also known as Simon Lowe, was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2009 for the violent rape of a Sydney woman in 2007.
The former model, in his late 60s, was given the nickname after she bragged about his glamorous life and claimed to have had relationships with American pop star Mariah Carey and actress Barbara Hershey.
Following Monteiro’s release from prison, a judge granted authorities a five-year supervision order (ESO) to restrict his movements and protect the community.
Monteiro has always maintained his innocence of rape charges and is now fighting for the dissolution of the ESO.
Details of the case can now be revealed after a judge on Tuesday rejected Monteiro’s request to impose a media silence order on the proceedings.
Simon Monteiro (pictured leaving the High Court in Sydney on Tuesday) is fighting to have his extended supervision order lifted
The court heard that Monteiro believes the ESO order should never have been issued in the first place.
Monteiro represented himself at a preliminary hearing in the case in the NSW Supreme Court on Tuesday.
The convicted sex offender gave a fiery account of the traumatic impact the ESO had on his daily life. The Daily Telegraph reported.
Monteiro told the court he was unable to work properly, earn a living or have any intimate relationships without being accused of violating the order.
“I mean, Your Honor – and this is not a threat, I’m not a suicidal person, I’m a very positive person – this order remains in effect and I’m going to kill myself,” he said.
Monteiro blamed the media for his situation, claiming that brutal and sensational reporting was mostly “lies” and led to him receiving death threats.
He also told the court that he received unwanted visitors late at night at his home he shares with his elderly father
Monteiro also claimed that the media attention also cost him a $3,000-a-week job after two days of employment.
The former model (pictured), now in her late 60s, was jailed for 11 years in 2009 for the violent rape of a Sydney woman in 2007
Simon Monteiro (pictured) told the judge he would commit suicide if his extended supervision order was not lifted
Monteiro asked the court to issue a gag order on procedures that would prevent the media from reporting his name in connection with the case.
“My life is in danger, and my 90-year-old father’s life is in danger,” Monteiro said.
“People show up and try to kill me in my house, there are death threats [my] phone coming from the media [attention].
‘I just don’t want to live like this. It’s not life, this is just existence, and I can’t survive.’
Monteiro claimed his case was “not in the public interest” and further threatened suicide if the reporting continued.
Judge Richard Button denied Monteiro’s request for a non-publication order, saying there was already extensive coverage of his legal proceedings, which would make an order meaningless.
The judge also found that Monteiro had not established why the order was “necessary,” which is required by law.
The case was adjourned until June to give Monteiro time to consider an appeal against the non-publication order, which was not granted.
It will also give the former model time to consider whether to file a separate application calling on Justice Button to recuse himself.
If you or someone you know needs help during a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
A disappointed Simon Monteiro is pictured leaving the court after the judge denied his request