Revealed: The nasty jibes John Setka made about his wife's dead dad and how he called her a 'moron' and 'piece of s***' in abusive texts
- John Setka pleaded guilty to bombarding woman with abusive texts and calls
- His wife Emma Walters publicly revealed afterwards she was that woman
- The nasty messages he sent to her over a few months last year are now public
- Setka called his wife a 'drunken moron', 'c***', 'f**king dog' and 'piece of s***'
- Couple displayed united front and say Setka won't be standing down from his job
- CFMEU boss was convicted and placed on a 12 month good behaviour bond
The wife of union boss John Setka has revealed the nasty messages she received from her husband about her dead father and how her spouse called her a 'moron' and a 'piece of s***'.
On Wednesday, the embattled union boss pleaded guilty to bombarding a woman with dozens of abusive texts and phone calls and breaching a court order.
His wife, Emma Walters, identified herself as that woman outside Melbourne Magistrates Court.
In an interview with the Herald Sun, Ms Walters revealed the worst message she received was about her late father.
'Your dad would be so proud of you, you turned into a drunken moron … you weak f**ken piece of s***,' Setka messaged her.
Emma Walters (pictured left), wife of union boss John Setka (right) has revealed the nasty messages she received from her husband about her dead father and how she was called a 'moron' and a 'piece of s***'
The court heard that John Setka (right) bombarded a woman with dozens of abusive texts and phone calls, which was later revealed to be his wife Emma Walters (left)
'You are a c*** just like the rest of your family,' one of the messages read, while another said: 'you are a treacherous Aussie f***in c***'.
Setka also called his wife a 'drunken moron', 'c***', 'f**king dog' and 'weak piece of s***'.
The union boss called his wife 25 times and sent 45 text messages in October last year, the court heard.
He also sent a tirade of abusive messages over a series of days in December to January 3.
'Words are incredibly destructive as they stay with you,' Ms Walters told the publication.
The magistrate described Setka's texts to his wife as 'unedifying' and 'nasty'
Setka also sent his wife pictures of them together with her face blacked out with the intention of 'erasing the complainant from their life', prosecutor Senior Constable Paul Brookes said.
She made a complaint to police on Boxing Day but the calls and messages continued until early January.
Ms Walters said it was one of the hardest decisions she had made to leave Setka, but knew that it was unhealthy for both herself and her children if she stayed.
'I was drinking too much to try and escape everything. Then I went, 'I can't do this any longer', and that I'm not going insane. This is wrong and it has to stop,' she said.
Ms Walters said there were times she feared her husband, but that fear has now gone.
The Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) Victorian secretary faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to breaching a court order and to one other charge.
Magistrate Belinda Wallington described the texts as 'unedifying' and 'nasty'.
'It's the language, it's the misogynistic language is what is causing concern,' she told the court.
Ms Walters supported her husband in court but was visibly upset when the messages were read out.
Magistrate Wallington told Setka it was to take responsibility for his actions as he was convicted of using a carriage service to harass and of breaching a court order and placed on a 12 month good behaviour bond.
Setka's wife Emma Walters told reporters afterwards the matter has taken an emotional toll
On Wednesday, the embattled union boss pleaded guilty to bombarding a woman with dozens of abusive texts and phone calls and breaching a court order
He was also ordered to donate $1000 to an Aboriginal family violence group and to participate in a behavioural change program.
Setka's lawyer Marcus Dempsey said the union boss' public profile was important for his work.
'It is a highly publicised and political world he lives in. Publicly he needed to be seen as indestructible' he said.
Ms Walters' identity was kept secret while the case was before the courts, but the couple now hope to put the recent turmoil behind them.
'Despite a lot of rumour and innuendo there is no one else involved but John and myself,' Ms Walters told reporters outside court on Wednesday.
'The truth of this story is that it's simply about my husband and myself putting our lives back together. I very much want you to report it. I have just identified myself and it's time for the charade to end.'
John Setka kisses his wife Emma as the couple leave Melbourne Magistrates Court
She admitted the matter had put a massive emotional strain on their marriage.
'I want to be very clear though, that while John and I have at times deeply hurt one another, there has never been any form of physical violence in our marriage or in our home,' Ms Walters said.
Setka continues to reject repeated calls to step down after reports he told colleagues anti-family violence campaigner Rosie Batty's advocacy had led to men having fewer rights.
He denies making the comments.
Setka told reporters the couple still love love each other deeply.
'I screwed up. And it's up to me fix it,' Setka declared.
'I've sent messages and used language that I am deeply embarrassed by and regret.
'It's not okay for us to speak to each other like that. There's never been any physical violence in our relationship but we're coming to terms with the fact that words can be just as hurtful.'
If you or anyone you know needs support, call the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 131 114, or beyondblue 1300 224 636.
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