A high-flying real estate executive has pleaded not guilty to allegedly stealing a taxi from Sydney’s CBD while drunk and dumping it several kilometres away.
Brett Henson, 42, appeared in Downing Centre Court for the first time on Wednesday since he allegedly threatened a 54-year-old cab driver on Hunter Street about 9pm on Friday, November 4, before taking off with his car.
Henson was arrested after photos of the alleged incident were circulated by NSW Police and was charged with multiple offences – stealing the cab, dangerous driving and drink driving.
Sitting at the front row of the court, Henson appeared calm as his lawyer Paul McGirr – who represented former NRL star and child sex abuse offender Brett Finch – told Deputy Registrar Nicole Hoffman his client would be fighting all three charges.
Mr Finch also asked for Henson’s bail conditions – which require him to present at Waverley Police Station every Wednesday – be varied.
Brett Henson, 42, is pictured at Waverley Police Station, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, on Wednesday
Henson, who allegedly stole a taxi under the influence of alcohol, held a piece of paper up to conceal his face as he left the police station
‘He is going on a holiday from December 7th to 12th, so we ask that he does not have to appear that Wednesday your honour,’ McGirr told the court.
Ms Hoffman agreed to vary the bail conditions and ordered that a brief be served by January 18.
Outside court, Henson – dressed in a dark blue sweater, collared shirt underneath and blue jeans – remained silent as he walked alongside Mr McGirr.
‘Nothing to say at this stage guys,’ Mr McGirr said.
‘We will be defending all three charges.’
Henson was arrested on November 10 – the same day CCTV footage of the alleged theft was shared across police social media channels.
The taxi was allegedly abandoned about 5km east in Woollahra, where it was later found with ‘significant damage’.
It comes after Daily Mail Australia last week revealed Henson is a Senior Capital Transactions Manager for property developing giant Mirvac and owns a $3.3million house in Bronte.
Henson looked at his dog affectionately as the pooch was picked up by a pet day care provider on Wednesday morning
Henson was spotted walking to Waverley Police Station for his weekly report last Wednesday.
Henson – who was dressed casually in shorts, a Nike t-shirt and sneakers – appeared downcast and refused to answer questions over the alleged offences.
Earlier that morning, Henson was seen chatting to a pet day-care provider outside his lavish three-storey home as she arrived to pick up his dog.
The animal wellness business charges $80-a-day for dog sitting or up to $150 per session for other services.
CCTV footage from the taxi allegedly shows Henson making off with the taxi
Police shared CCTV images of the alleged theft on social media the day of Henson’s arrest
Henson refused to answer questions about the alleged taxi theft when approached by Daily Mail Australia
After she left, Henson strolled out of his front gate and headed to the police station, stopping occasionally to smoke cigarettes, sip on a takeaway coffee, and take calls.
Under NSW Law, drivers’ licenses are suspended immediately if they are allegedly caught operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
A neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said they were ‘shocked’ to learn about the allegations levelled at the businessman.
‘He’s a family man,’ they said.
‘He’s got three young kids and a beautiful wife. I can’t believe it.’
Property records reveal Henson snatched up a 99-year-old single-storey Bronte property for $2,425,000 in November 2019, before knocking it down to rebuild.
Henson is the owner of a multimillion dollar property in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. A 1920s build bought by Henson in 2019 for $2.4M was knocked down and replaced with the three-storey white brick home pictured above
A development permit was approved in August the following year, with a build value of $750,200 over 109 square metres.
Prior to Mirvac, it is understood Henson was already accomplished within the real estate sector – having previously worked as an executive at Westfield and Scentre Group as well as holding the title of regional property manager for Woolworths.
It remains unclear whether Henson remains employed at Mirvac after being charged.
A Mirvac spokesperson said: ‘We are unable to comment on the specifics of this issue.’
Henson stopped to sip on a coffee and smoke a cigarette as he walked to the police station on Wednesday
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