WARNING: Graphic content
An aspiring rapper says he has reformed and has apologized to media personality Yumi Stynes after admitting to sending her lewd and threatening messages over social media.
Eli Engwicht was due to be sentenced at Sydney’s Downing Center Local Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to using a carriage service to intimidate, threaten or offend.
The 23-year-old sent a message to Ms Stynes on July 19 stating he had ‘no qualms’ about sexually assaulting her with razors or her grandmother.
“I want to see you torn limb from limb and tortured for hours,” he wrote to the author and podcaster.
“You filthy piece of wasted life.”
Eli Engwich was due to be sentenced in Sydney’s Downing Center Local Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to using a carriage service to intimidate, threaten or offend
The 23-year-old sent a message to Ms Stynes on July 19 stating he had ‘no qualms’ about sexually abusing her with razors or assaulting her grandmother.
On Wednesday, Magistrate Megan Greenwood agreed to adjourn his sentencing proceedings for six weeks while he attends a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.
Outside the court, Engwich stopped to talk to reporters and repeated his apology to Ms Stynes.
“I did a lot of self-work,” he said.
‘I’m currently working two jobs, I’ve gotten rid of all the bad habits and I’m doing better than ever. I appreciate the support of all my friends and family.
“Again, I am deeply sorry to the person I offended.”
Asked about his possible punishment, Engwich said: “I think I get what I deserve. I think that’s up to the judge, that’s not for me to decide.’
Engwicht, who also goes by the stage name Lil Swift, is an aspiring musician who has shared several videos of himself rapping on social media.
He said he was taking steps to reform himself and wanted to be an example to young people.
“I was going in a bad direction,” Engwich said.
“And after this is all over, I’m going to use my music and my voice to show the youth and people in my situation that you can overcome tough times.”
On Wednesday, Magistrate Megan Greenwood agreed to adjourn his sentencing proceedings for six weeks while he attends a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.
Engwich will not be able to threaten, harass, stalk or intimidate Ms Stynes under the terms of an interim violence order issued by the police
Engwich will not be able to threaten, harass, stalk or intimidate Ms Stynes under the terms of an interim violence order issued by the police.
The order also prevents the aspiring rapper from approaching, contacting or locating Ms Stynes.
Ms Stynes told police she felt terrorized and disgusted by the private message sent to her Instagram account.
According to court documents, she feared for her safety and believed Engwicht would try to find out where she lived.
When he was arrested two days later, the aspiring rapper told police he sent the message because he found Ms. Stynes’ book on sex education “offensive.”
However, he has since made several public apologies for his behavior.
Ms Stynes shared his message in an attempt to shed light on the online abuse she has suffered following the publication of her sex education book, Welcome to Sex: Your No-Silly-Questions Guide to Sexuality, Pleasure and Figuring it Out .
Welcome to Sex by Yumi Stynes and Dr. Melissa Kang was widely criticized. The book was withdrawn from stores after staff were assaulted
The book, aimed at children aged 10 and older, has sparked controversy for its unfiltered discussions of topics such as oral and anal sex and gender identity.
It is co-written by Dr. Melissa Kang, who specializes in adolescent health and previously provided advice through the famed Dolly Doctor column.
The sex guide has been pulled from the shelves of Big W and Target following an online protest campaign and abuse of staff members.
Engwich will return to court in December.