The ex-girlfriend of a former Gold Coast stripper has told of how she “lost a piece of herself” when he attacked her in April last year.
Michael Borgen, who has been known to refer to himself as “Australia’s Magic Mike”, has pleaded guilty to extortion and assault, the Gold Coast Bulletin reports.
The Southport District Court heard he repeatedly pushed Bridget Wheeler’s head into a wall after she did not bring him steroids.
He then threatened to release the 22-year-old woman’s naked photos if she did not deposit $2000 into his bank account, according to reports.
Borgen claimed the money would “buy” her nude images — which were shared consensually during their relationship — and “a promise nothing further will happen”.
In her victim impact statement, Ms Wheeler, who is a single mother with a young daughter, said she had “changed as a person” since the attacks.
A Current Affair also covered the story (post continues after video):
“I’m petrified he’s out on the streets,” Ms Wheeler told the Gold Coast Bulletin.
“I used to be outgoing and fun but now I’ve blocked out a lot of people and I lost a piece of myself.”
It’s not the first time Borgen has been charged with violence offences.
In November 2012 he was sentenced to two years probation and given a $200 fine after being charged with offences including stalking and intimidating with an intent to cause fear, news.com.au reports.
The same year he was charged with using a carriage service to harass, common assault and assault occasioning bodily harm.
He was sentenced to four months in jail a year later, charged with assaulting a partner, and given two further years probation over another count of stalking.
“He has a history of abusing women,” Ms Wheeler said.
“He goes out and strips for women and then he comes home and abuses them.”
Borgen, who now lives in Cairns, received a three month suspended prison sentence for his treatment of Ms Wheeler.
He was also ordered to a 12 month intensive correction order, which includes counselling, community service and regular check-ins with authorities.
Judge David Kent QC said he only narrowly escaped jail time.
“If you don’t moderate your behaviour the prison door is getting very close for you.”
Feature image via Facebook/Bridget Wheeler.
Top Comments
How many more chance does he get? Do we have to wait until he kills his next partner before anything is done?
"The prison door is getting very close..." I'm guessing he's probably actually going to have to kill someone for that to happen.